Chelone 'Black Ace'

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace': A Striking Contrast of Dark Foliage and Pure Blooms

Chelone glabra 'Black Ace', a remarkable cultivar of the native White Turtlehead, introduces an air of mystery and sophistication to the garden with its unique combination of deep, almost black foliage and crisp white blooms. This perennial stands out for its dramatic foliage contrast and distinctive turtle-like flowers, making it an eye-catching addition to rain gardens, shaded borders, or as a standout feature in woodland settings. Ideal for gardeners seeking to create depth and intrigue in moist garden areas, 'Black Ace' offers a captivating display from late summer through fall.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Reaching an impressive height of 60-90 cm, 'Black Ace' is perfect for adding vertical interest and a touch of drama to garden compositions, where its dark foliage and white blooms can be appreciated up close.
• Spread: It forms a robust clump, spreading approximately 45-60 cm wide, offering generous ground coverage and introducing a dynamic, textured element to the garden landscape with its lush foliage.
• Flower Colour: The blooms are a pure, clean white, shaped remarkably like a turtle's head, emerging from dark stems and creating a striking contrast against the foliage from late summer to early fall.
• Flowering Period: Blooming from late summer to early fall, Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' provides a refreshing burst of brightness, standing out amidst the rich greens and autumn hues of the season.
• Foliage: Its foliage is where 'Black Ace' truly shines, with leaves that boast a deep, dark hue, almost black in some light, adding an unparalleled depth and intrigue to the garden's palette.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, especially when planted in consistently moist soils that support its vibrant foliage and blooming habit.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. 'Black Ace' is an excellent choice for moist garden spots, rain gardens, and areas beside water features.

Uses and Benefits: Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' is not just a feast for the eyes; it also plays an essential role in wet garden ecosystems. It's ideal for stabilizing moist soils and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden's biodiversity and ecological value.

Companion Plants: Pair with other moisture-loving plants like Hostas, Ferns, and Astilbe to create a lush, texturally rich display. The deep foliage of 'Black Ace' contrasts beautifully with the lighter greens and varied bloom colors of these companions, creating a visually striking and harmonious garden scene.

Care Instructions: Chelone glabra 'Black Ace' requires minimal maintenance to thrive. Regular watering is essential to maintain consistently moist soil, especially in areas with less natural rainfall. Mulching can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the root zone cool. Deadheading spent flowers can prolong blooming and maintain a neat appearance but is generally not necessary for the health of the plant.

History: As a cultivar of Chelone glabra, 'Black Ace' brings a new level of aesthetic appeal to the native White Turtlehead, prized for its unusual dark foliage and contrasting white flowers. Its introduction has captured the attention of gardeners and landscapers alike, offering a unique and striking option for moist garden environments.

Final Thoughts: Chelone glabra 'Black Ace', with its dramatic foliage and pure white blooms, stands as a symbol of elegance and mystery in the garden. Whether used to anchor a rain garden, enhance a shaded border, or simply to enjoy its striking beauty, 'Black Ace' brings a touch of sophistication and a burst of late-season life to any garden setting, inviting all who visit to admire its unique charm and captivating contrast.