They are popular and stunning floweringperennialsthanks to their aromatic and delicate old cottage-garden-style flowers.
Some gardeners describe the scent of the flowers as vanilla, while others insist they smell like cherry pie.
Plant fast-growing heliotropes outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This plant is toxic to humans and animals.Learn how to grow these attractive tender perennials in your garden.
Heliotropes Care
Heliotropes are temperate perennials that are native to the subtropical regions of Peru.
They are considered low- to medium-maintenance plants that benefit from some regular care.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Light
Heliotropes arefull-sunplants that require at least six hours a day of direct sunlight.
A location that receives bright morning sunlight and light shade in the afternoon is ideal.
Soil
Plant heliotropes in rich,loamysoil that is well-draining but retains some moisture.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.6 and 7.3.
Heliotropes do not do well in heavy clay soils as they cannot tolerate wet feet.
Water
Heliotropes require lots of water to thrive.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Keep the soil evenly moist, but notwaterlogged, and dont allow the plants to dry out.
Temperature and Humidity
Heliotropes grow best in climates with warm days and cool nights.
They do not do well in overly hot or humid weather and they are highly frost-tender.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Heliotropes are notoriously heavy feeders that need to be fertilized regularly throughout their growing season.
When grown in the garden, heliotropes should be fertilized at least once a month.
When grown in containers, they should be fertilized as often as every two weeks.
Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus that is meant forflowering plants.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Types of Heliotropes
There are many different varieties and cultivars of heliotropes.
Here are a few popular heliotropes:
Propagating Heliotropes
Heliotropes can be propagated by cuttings or seeds.
They are also not prone to any serious pests or diseases.
Overwintering
Growing heliotropes in containers also means that they can be easily overwintered indoors if desired.
Bring the plant indoors before the first frost.
Place in a cool room on a sill with bright, indirect sunlight that will not scorch the plant.
Water in small amounts to keep the plant from drying out.
Do not place the plants near a heat source or risk dry soil.
Bring back outdoors in the spring when temperatures rise consistently over 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
you’re free to beginpinching backthe stems and flowers in the early spring to encourage more lateral growth.
Common Problems With Heliotropes
Indoors or out, heliotrope does not pose too many problems.
Keep an eye out for a few rare issues.
Brown Flower Clusters
You may have conditions favorable to powdery mildew.
Remove damaged flowers to encourage further blooms.
Water the soil to keep it from becoming bone dry, but do not overwater.
Discolored or Brown Leaves
Check for a spider mite infestation.
Spider mites suck out moisture from leaves.
They can be discovered by their white webs forming on the undersides of the leaves.
Sap-sucking whiteflies could be another problem, and they can be seen by the naked eye.
Useinsecticidal soapson pest infestations.
Brown leaves can also mean the plant is receiving too much water.
Heliotropes make great indoor houseplants and container plants because they are small plants.
But remember they are toxic to humans and animals.
Depending on your nose, heliotrope can smell like almonds, vanilla, or cherry pie.
