Heliotrope, Garden heliotrope, Cherry Pie, Heliotrope
Heliotropium arborescens

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Blue, Lavender, Purple, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Late winter, Mid summer, Mid spring, Mid winter. Form: Upright or erect.

Heliotropium arborescens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Coastal: forests, lomas from sea level to 3500 metres.

S. America - Peru.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is used to make a febrifugal tea. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole fresh plant. It is used in the treatment of clergyman's sore throat and uterine displacement.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.

Other

Rating: 3

An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery. The plant is sometimes used as a low hedge, though it is not hardy enough in Britain for this purpose.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container. Prefers a rich well-drained soil in full sun. Plants grow best in a sandy loam. Severely damaged by low temperatures, this plant is not hardy in Britain but it can be grown as a half-hardy annual, flowering in its first year from seed. If grown as a shrub, it requires a minimum winter temperature of 5 - 7°c. Plants stop growing when night-time temperatures fall below 5°c and are likely to be killed once the temperature falls below -2°c. The plant turns its leaves and flowers so that it is always facing the sun during the day. The flowers have a most unusual perfume, somewhat like cherries baked in a pie. It is a good butterfly plant. A parent of the cultivated ornamental garden heliotropes, there are many named varieties. Special Features:Not North American native, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 25 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. High percentage. Because the plant is not hardy the cuttings would have to be grown in a greenhouse for the winter before planting them out in the spring. Cuttings of young shoots in the spring. Because the plant is not hardy the cuttings would have to be grown in a greenhouse for the winter before planting them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 9-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The seeds are poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. peruvianum. L.