Chelonopsis yagiharana

Chelonopsis Lamiaceae

An unusual and decidedly underused Japanese member of the mint family, Chelonopsis yagiharana forms an upright, clump-forming perennial with slender, often slightly purplish stems and handsome, toothed, dark-green leaves. From late summer into autumn it produces tubular, purple-pink flowers, held singly or in small groups towards the upper part of the stems. The flowers are remarkably long and narrow, giving the plant something of the appearance of a rather exotic Chelone — although botanically the two belong to quite different families.

Growing to around 40–60cm, it is an excellent plant for the late-season border, particularly in light woodland or the dappled shade of deciduous shrubs. It appreciates a fertile, humus-rich soil that remains reasonably moist but is not waterlogged. Once established it slowly increases by its rhizomatous rootstock rather than behaving like an enthusiastic thug.