Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua)
Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua).
This plant is commonly known as twisted shell flower.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: twisted shell flower
Scientific name: Chelone obliqua
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Poorly drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua) – C T Johansson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Chelone to consider:
See all Chelone
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua) is a plant that prefers to grow in clay or loam.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Chelone obliqua likes to grow in moist but well drained or humid or poorly drained soils.
Sunlight
Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Twisted shell flower (Chelone obliqua) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
