Heliotropium arborescens
Garden Heliotrope
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Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) - Description
The Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) is a highly fragrant perennial plant, originally from Peru. It is especially notable for its intense, rather vanilla-like fragrance. Common names include cherry pie and "common heliotrope". Note that the common name "garden heliotrope" may also refer to Valerian (herb), which is not a heliotropium variety.
Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) - Blooming
Right after flowers fade, deadhead to promote new flowers.
Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) - Growth
Heliotropes prefer full sun to filtered light and a sheltered position from the frost. If growing in containers, overwinter in a bright location no colder than 50F. Bedded flowers can be allowed to die each fall. You may want to stake with a pole no thinner than its diameter that reaches to just inside the head. Loosen ties if they become constrictive.
Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) - Planting
Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last spring frost date. Germinate in 4-6 weeks at 70-75F. Move outdoors a few weeks after last frost and soil is about 60F. To grow from cuttings, use soft-tip cuttings in spring or summer, or if autumns or winters are warm and moist, half-hardened cuttings can be taken at those times.
Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) - Pest
Watch for whiteflies on overwintering and houseplant Heliotropes. Other problems include rust and leaf spot.
Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) - Interesting facts
Heliotropes are so named because their leaves turn (tropein) to the Sun (Helios). Some butterflies drink the sap of this plant, rendering them noxious to would-be predators. Some species have medicinal uses in Central and temperate South America.
Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) - Soil and irrigation
Grow in fertile free-draining soil. Do not let the soil dry out. If a potted Heliotrope dries its soil too quickly, you may need a larger pot.
