Many gardeners are familiar with heliotrope, a perennial shrub that is grown as an annual in North America. This heirloom plant bears clusters of purple blooms and the leaves are rough looking dark leaves. Some think heliotrope smells like vanilla and because of this it was nicknamed the “cherry pie plant”. Because of this scent, heliotrope is often grown in hanging baskets because people can then better appreciate the scent. Heliotrope is also good when combined with warm colored flowers such as marigolds, geraniums or zinnias in the garden bed. It makes an excellent cut flower.
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Heliotropes are originally from South America but they were introduced to Europe in the 1700s. Parisians cultivated it during the 1750s. In 1786 Thomas Jefferson sent heliotrope seeds back to friends in America with instructions on how to grow the fragrant plant. This plant became a favorite among Victorians and it was often used for bedding in the 1800s. According to the symbolism of flowers, heliotrope symbolizes someone’s intentions to remain true.
In heliotrope’s warm native climate of South America it can grow up to four feet tall. In America, heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) stays fairly small but will grow to be about a foot and a half tall. The flower head is actually made up of small blossom clusters. They attract beneficial insects, including butterflies. Heliotrope grows best with full sun, especially if it gets morning sun. This shrub is called ‚”turnsole” because it turns to face the sun as it moves through the sky during the day and then moves back to face the east for the sunrise the next day. Heliotrope needs sufficient moisture or this can affect the blooms.
Though heliotrope is known for purple flowers, there are different varieties and sizes on the market. Some of these plants have white flowers. Other heliotrope flower colors range from warm purple with hints of pink to deep, dark purples. While heliotrope shrubs are small to begin with, Blue Wonder is a dwarf version of heliotrope, growing only about a foot tall. Mini Marine has deep purple flower clusters that can grow up to a foot wide. It also has the strong but pleasant smell that heliotrope flowers are noted for. Some modern types do not have the prominent fragrance of older types or may have no scent at all.
It is easiest to grow heliotrope from transplants purchased from a nursery or a garden center. But, some gardeners want to grow less common varieties and start them indoors from seed. This can be a bit of a challenge. In order for heliptrope to bloom during the first part of the summer the seeds must be started indoors about twelve weeks before the last frost date. For some gardeners this means planting the seeds in late January or early February.
To start the heliotrope seeds fill a pot or seedling tray with soil and then scatter the heliotrope seeds over the top of the soil. Cover the seeds with just a dusting of soil. Use an atomizer to water them in. They are so tiny that they can wash away under a strong stream of water. Heliotrope seeds can take a long time to germinate. They may take up to six weeks to emerge. When the last frost is over, plant the heliotrope outdoors. Make sure they are about a foot apart.
Heliotropes need frequent watering or the blossoms may suffer. But, they need to be in a spot with good drainage so they don’t get waterlogged. They also like to be in full sun but cannot tolerate very hot weather. Afternoon shade will help these plants so try to plant them in a flower bed that faces the east. Give them a general all purpose plant food about once a month during the growing season. If the plant gets too spindly pinch it back to encourage bushiness. Heliotrope can be brought inside during the winter and kept as a houseplant.
Growing Old Fashioned Fragrant Heliotrope
Guide to Growing Garden Plants – Heliotropium Heliotrope
Heliotrope: Old Fashioned Flower Power
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