Heliotropium arborescens Heliotropes Perennial Flower Plant
HELIOTROPE
Heliotropes were among the familiar bedding plants in large-scale displays in the gardens of palaces and country houses. The deep colors of foliage and flowers contrasted strongly with the lighter shades of other plants, and complex patterns were created with them. It is still possible to see that kind of summery flower-bed here and there, but they are long past their heyday. Heliotrope is now used for a new craze – that of patio gardening. The plant is, in fact, highly satisfactory as a container plant.
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).
Sow indoors in early spring at about 68 °F. The seed requires light to germinate and so should not be covered with compost. It should also remain wet during germination, so cover the propagator with plastic or glass to create a warm and humid atmosphere. In spite of all that cosseting, the seed will germinate irregularly. Don’t put the plants out-of-doors until the end of May, and find a warm and sunny position in nutritive soil for them. Be careful about watering them with cold water. Plants grown from seed or cuttings by professional nurserymen are also available on sale in spring.
Heliotropium arborescens ‘Early Violet’ flowers particularly early. The plant grows about 18 in tall and yet bears flower heads that, at 4-12 in, are remarkably wide. They are also delightfully fragrant.
Heliotropium arborescens ‘Marine’ has a compact habit with leaves in the deepest shadem of reddich green. The fragrant violet flower heads are about 6 in wide. There is an eveame is Heliotropium arborescens ‘Mini marine’.
