The species of the large and cosmopolitan heliotropes genus are characterized by the woody base and herbaceous branches. Many of these annuals or perennials are noted for their hairiness, petite nectar-rich flowers, and fragrance. Some members of heliotropes have been reported as toxic to humans, mammals, and birds if ingested.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Heliotropium is a genus of flowering plants in the heliotrope family, Heliotropiaceae. There are around 325 species in this almost cosmopolitan genus, which are commonly known as heliotropes. They are highly toxic to dogs and cats.
The name “heliotrope” derives from the old idea that the inflorescences of these plants turned their rows of flowers to the Sun. Ἥλιος (helios) is Greek for “Sun”, τρέπειν (trepein) means “to turn”. The Middle English name “turnsole” has the same meaning.
A Classical myth, told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, imagines that the water nymph Clytie, in love with the sun god Helios, was betrayed by him. Wasting away, she transformed into the heliotrope, whose flowers supposedly always face the Sun.
Like other members of the Heliotropiaceae, plants in the genus Heliotropium have 5-merous, tetracyclic flowers and actinomorphic corollas. They likewise share in their characteristic terminal styles and highly modified stigmatic heads (basal stigma, infertile apex). Species in the genus are typically herbs or subshrubs exclusively and are characterized by their dry fruits that divide into two or four mericarpids.
Heliotrope’s abundant flower clusters add a splash of color to a container garden or a flower bed. The most common hue is a deep, rich purple, but when you look closely at the blooms, they have several shades of purple with tiny yellow centers. There are also white variations of these blooms, and some pale lavender heliotropes to go along with the deeper purple shades.
Long, deeply veined leaves provide texture that acts as a lush backdrop for the fragrant heliotrope blooms. Overall, the plant has an almost shrubby appearance. These plants can be almost completely covered in blooms during summer and create quite a “scent-sation.”
All parts of heliotrope plants are toxic to humans and horses
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Heliotropes are full-sun plants that require at least six hours a day of direct sunlight. However, they prefer the morning sun, and in hot climates, intense afternoon rays may burn the delicate flowers. A location that receives bright morning sunlight and light shade in the afternoon is ideal.
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.
Watering
Heliotropes require lots of water to thrive. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, and don’t allow the plants to dry out. When grown in containers, heliotropes will need to be watered significantly more often as the plant will absorb the water more quickly.
Soil
Plant heliotropes in rich, loamy soil that is well-draining but retains some moisture. 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.
Fertilizing
In the garden, fertilize heliotrope plants monthly using a fertilizer high in phosphorous to promote more blooms. When they are planted in containers, heliotrope plants benefit from an application of liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Planting Instructions
Plant heliotrope in organically rich, well-draining soil or potting mix in a garden bed or containers. Select locations close to outdoor activity areas so the scent can be appreciated. This plant is an annual in all but USDA Zones 10 and 11, where it grows as a tender perennial, but even there, it is better grown as an annual because it tends to become straggly.
Plant heliotrope transplants after the last frost in spring in a location that receives at least six hours of sun daily, preferably in the morning. Dig a hole about the same width and depth as the planting container. Remove the plant and loosen the roots a bit from the root ball before placing it in the hole. Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well. Space heliotrope plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Pruning
Because the flowers bloom in large clusters, they may need some periodic deadheading of old blossoms to make way for more. You can also prune back the plant by about half its size to encourage bushy new growth and flower buds to form.
Propagation
Heliotropes can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. To propagate from stem cuttings in the spring or summer, follow these steps:
- Take 4- to 5-inch stem cuttings from an outdoor heliotrope plant that’s fleshy and green.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone.
- Put the cutting in a pot of moistened soil.
- Place the pot on a sill with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight or the young plant can become scorched while trying to root.
- Keep the cuttings moist.
- After a few weeks the cuttings should root. Begin to bring the pots into brighter, more direct sunlight. Keep cuttings overwintered indoors.
- Transplant outdoors or into a container garden in the spring.
How to Grow from Seed
Growing heliotropes from seed can be the easiest and most popular way to grow these flowering perennials. Seeds should be started indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost to ensure that the plants have time to bloom before the first frost hits in the fall. Heliotrope seeds should be kept at a temperature between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and should germinate within 28 to 42 days. Once the last frost has passed, the heliotrope seedlings can be transplanted into the garden or a container outdoors.
Potting and Repotting
Heliotropes are perfect for pots because they are not aggressive and they won’t take over your container garden. They are also not prone to any serious pests or diseases. Keep in mind that heliotrope plants grown in containers will require significantly more water than plants grown in the garden.
Overwintering
When summer is over and frost is on the way, try bringing one of your plants indoors. Cut the branches and stems back by one-half to two-thirds and pot it up in rich, pre-fertilized houseplant soil. Heliotrope winter care is the same as for most houseplants. Find a warm place in a sunny window and water sparingly. They make wonderful houseplants and you can enjoy the smell of cherry pie all year long.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, fungus gnats, and whiteflies, which can all be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil to resolve the infestation. Though the plant is not susceptible to many diseases, keep an eye out for fungal problems, such as powdery mildew, which occurs when air circulation is poor and soil conditions are very warm.
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.
General Drooping
A droopy heliotrope could be stressed because it’s in too much sunlight, or it’s overwatered. Though the plant likes it on the dry side, it does not like to feel scorched, parched, or soggy.
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. Use insecticidal soaps on pest infestations. Brown leaves can also mean the plant is receiving too much water.
III. Types of Heliotropes
There are many different varieties and cultivars of heliotropes. Here are a few popular heliotropes:
- Princess Marina (Heliotropium arborescens): This is a compact heliotrope, but it is the quintessential cherry pie-scented version with violet-purple blooms, growing just 6 to 12 inches tall.
- Clasping heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule): Also known as blue or summer heliotrope, this plant produces tiny bright purple flower clusters that attract pollinators.
- Beach heliotrope (Heliotropium anomalum): A native Hawaiian plant, this pretty ground-covering type of plant has silvery skinny leaf clusters that shoot up fragrant white flower clusters.
- Salt heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum): Also called seaside heliotrope, this aggressive plant thrives in wet or dry and salty soils and produces white blooms with yellow and purple throats.
IV. Uses and Benefits
One of the best ways to use heliotrope is in containers. This way, the plants can be moved around so their sweet fragrance can be enjoyed often. Heliotrope is also great to plant in groups to maximize its fragrance, as it can be subtle at times.
Find Where to Buy the Best Cherry Pie Flower (Heliotropium)
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