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Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope)

Heliotrope, Common Heliotrope, Cherry Pie Flower, Peruvian Heliotrope, Peruvian Turnsole, Heliotropium peruvianum

Heliotropium arborescens,Heliotrope, evergreen perennial, Blue flowers, Fragrant perennial, Fragrant Annual
Heliotropium arborescens,Heliotrope, evergreen perennial, Blue flowers, Fragrant perennial, Fragrant Annual

Native to Peru, Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope) is a tender perennial shrub in its native habitat but is usually grown as a summer bedding annual in most areas. Blooming from summer to fall, this old-fashioned favorite produces showy rounded clusters, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), of tiny violet, purple, blue, or white flowers with a sweet delicate fragrance. Equally handsome is the foliage of prominently veined, oval, dark green leaves. Perfect for borders and containers or as a houseplant. A single Heliotrope can live for years on a patio in a large container.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates. Water moderately in the growing season and apply a balanced fertilizer once a month. In the winter keep the rootball just moist.
  • Perfect addition to beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, or containers.
  • Generally disease fee. Watch for glasshouse whitefly.
  • Pinch back stems to encourage bushy growth. Older leggy plants can have their stems shortened by half in spring. Propagate cultivars by taking softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
  • All parts of the plant are toxic by ingestion, but toxic to humans only if consumed in large quantities. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling.
  • Toxic to horses.
  • Native to Peru.

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 12
Heat Zones 9 - 11
Climate Zones 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Shrubs
Plant Family Boraginaceae
Genus Heliotropium
Common names Heliotrope
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Heliotropium gnaphalodes (Sea Lavender)
Heliotropium angiospermum (Scorpion Tail)
Heliotropium curassavicum (Salt Heliotrope)

Recommended Companion Plants

Agapanthus ‘Loch Hope’ (African Lily)
Pelargonium ‘Imperial Butterfly’ (Scented leaf Angel Pelargonium)
Osteospermum ‘4D Silver’ (African Daisy)
Dahlia ‘Gerrie Hoek’

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Long-Lasting Border Idea with Pelargonium, Heliothrope and Senecio
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 12
Heat Zones 9 - 11
Climate Zones 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Shrubs
Plant Family Boraginaceae
Genus Heliotropium
Common names Heliotrope
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Heliotropium (Heliotrope) to pick?
Compare Now

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