Japanese name: スピードリオン Scientific name:Chelone lyonii
[Overview]
A perennial 70–90 cm tall.
The stem is sometimes tinged with purple.
The leaves are simple and opposite, ovate, with serrated margins.
They have long petioles.
A short raceme at the stem tip bears pink flowers.
The corolla is two-lipped, and the lower lip has a beard-like projection.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or shoot cuttings.
It prefers partial shade and fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive, slightly moist soil.
It dislikes dryness.
Avoid places with strong afternoon sun.
It is good to plant it under deciduous trees.
Take care that it does not dry out, and water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
In spring, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
[Notes]
The English and scientific names derive from the flower's resemblance in shape to a turtle.
