Botanical Name: Heliotropium arborescens
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Common Name: Heliotrope  
Plant photo of: Heliotropium arborescens
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Water Saving Tip:

Even though it's hot, your lawn only needs to be watered twice a week to stay healthy.

And don't water the whole lawn for a brown spot—drag out a hose.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Annual

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Purple, Violet, White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Tropical

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Indoor, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Heliotrope is a lovely, old-fashioned, exotic-appearing annual with a sweet vanilla-like fragrance. The flowers appear in dense clusters on stems above deep green, heavily textured leaves. Excellent as a cut flower, or mixed with sweet alyssum and marigolds to attract beneficial insects. Grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. It is an evergreen perennial in its native Peru, but does not over-winter outdoors in our cold climate.
Heliotrope will grow in full sun, though they appreciate a little afternoon shade. Plants can be over-wintered indoors, but they need bright light and cool temperatures. Moderate water; over-watering will diminish fragrance.