Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope)
Heliotrope, Common Heliotrope, Cherry Pie Flower, Peruvian Heliotrope, Peruvian Turnsole, Heliotropium peruvianum
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.
Buy Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope)
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 9
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
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 – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Fotoflor
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 9
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
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 – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |