Heliotrope
- Botanical Name
- Heliotropium arborescens
- Hardiness
- Zones 10 to 11, grown as annual elsewhere
- Height
- 12 to 18 inches
- Width
- 12 to 15 inches
- Flowers
- Summer: violet, purple, white; fragrant
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained, fertile
- Planting & Care
- Sow seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before last frost, be patient as it takes 3 weeks for the seeds to germinate
- Space plants 12 inches apart in the the garden
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Deadhead to promote continual bloom
- Can be overwintered indoors. Take 3 to 4 cuttings and root in moist vermiculite or a well-drained potting mix. I find setting the pot in a plastic bag left open increases the humidity to encourage rooting without leading to rot. Once rooted, they can be moved to their permanent container, placed in a sunny location and grow as a houseplant.
- You can also bring the whole plant indoors and raise it like a houseplant. Grow in a bright, sunny window or under artificial lights and keep the soil moist. Don't be alarmed if the plant drops most of its leaves. It will soon send out new leaves more suited for its indoor location.
- Problems
- None serious
- Varieties
- Marine - 10" wide clusters of navy blue flowers, 15-18"
- Fragrant Blue - deep blue, highly fragrant
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