Heliotrope: characteristics, planting & care

Heliotropes, also known as garden heliotropes or cherry pie plants, are wonderfully fragrant eye-catchers for any garden or balcony. Discover the most beautiful heliotrope species and find out how to properly plant and care for this South American evergreen.

Heliotrope: origin and characteristics

Heliotropes (Heliotropium arborescens) belong to the borage or forget-me-not family and originated in the Peruvian Andes. They bloom for up to 5 months, from May to September. Heliotrope flowers grow dense and upright, and they reach heights of 30 to 80cm depending on the variety.

Many small, five-petalled, purple flowers form umbel clusters above elliptical, alternate, dark green leaves. Heliotrope leaves are slightly wrinkled and hairy. As with many species in the Heliotropium genus, garden heliotropes turn with the position of the sun and always face it. Another distinctive feature of the cherry pie plant is its sweet aroma, as the name suggests.

The most beautiful varieties

There are several heliotrope varieties, which differ in flower and leaf colour, growth height, and aroma. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• ′Alba’: white heliotrope flowers with an intense vanilla aroma
• ′Marine′: dark purple to deep blue flowers; compact growth: 30 – 40cm
• ′Iowa′: light purple flowers that smell like gummy bears
• ′Aurea′: light purple flowers and yellow-green foliage

Planting heliotrope

Heliotrope can be planted in flower beds or potted on a terrace or balcony, as long as they get plenty of sun.

Where to plant heliotrope

Heliotropes thrive in the sun. These plants can also make do in semi-shaded locations, but they fare best in direct sunlight. Ideally, they should also be protected from wind and rain.

Heliotropes in the flower bed

Once you’ve found a sunny spot in your flower bed, check that the soil is humus-rich, fresh and well-drained. If the soil is poor, improve it by adding in some high-quality, nutrient-rich potting soil, such as our Plantura Organic Flower Compost, for instance. Before planting, pull the plant’s root ball apart slightly to stimulate root development, and take care not to plant the heliotrope too deep in the planting hole. Once planted, water your heliotrope thoroughly.

Organic Flower Compost, 40L

(5/5)

• Perfect for all flowering plants in garden beds & pots
• For beautiful blossoms & healthy plant growth
• Peat-free & organic soil: CO₂-saving composition

£16.99

Shop now!

Potted heliotropes

Garden heliotrope plants also grow very well in pots on balconies and patios. Choose a planter that is large enough to allow for root development. Ensure the planter has a drainage hole at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. We recommend placing a clay shard over the drainage hole to prevent it from becoming compacted with soil. Just make sure the clay shard does not lie flat against the bottom of the planter, as this could block the drainage hole. Our peat-free Plantura Organic Flower Compost provides the perfect conditions for vigorous growth and abundant flowering, and it contains expanded clay, which enables balanced moisture and healthy root growth.

Heliotrope care

Given the right location and soil, cherry pie plants are robust and relatively easy to care for. Nevertheless, it is important to keep an eye on your plant’s water and nutrient requirements.

Watering

Heliotropes like to be watered daily. That said, these plants are sensitive to waterlogging, so make sure any excess water can drain away freely.

Fertilising

To keep your heliotrope happy and thriving, apply a liquid fertiliser once a month from April to September. Our organic Plantura Liquid Flower Food provides the fragrant cherry pie plant with all the nutrients it needs. It is also quick and easy to apply and entirely animal free, so it is vegan friendly.

Liquid Flower Food, 800ml

(5/5)

• Perfect for all flowers & balcony plants
• Liquid fertiliser for a lush blossom throughout the season
• Quick & easy application - child & pet friendly

£10.99

Shop now!

Pruning heliotrope

In order to ensure your heliotrope continues to invest its energy in forming new flowers, remove any withered parts of the plant, including faded flowers. In the case of pre-grown heliotropes, regularly pinching off the tips of the shoots stimulates tillering, which makes the plants bushier and prevents them from growing too quickly in height. You may also want to do some light pruning in autumn in preparation for overwintering your heliotrope.

Overwintering

Heliotropes are not hardy and cannot tolerate temperatures below 5 °C. However, as they are perennials, they can be overwintered in a sheltered place. They will bloom again the following year, growing larger and stronger over the years. To overwinter your heliotrope, place it in a wind-protected, dry and bright place between 12 and 18 °C before the first frosts in autumn. Continue to water them a little during the winter months, but do not fertilise them. After the last frosts in May, move your heliotrope back on your balcony or in the garden.

Propagating heliotropes

Heliotropes can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. Sow heliotrope seeds from January to March in a bright room with temperatures from 18 to 22 °C. The seeds need light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them with soil. Simply press them down into the soil’s surface. It takes 10 to 15 days for heliotrope seedlings to appear. Move the seedlings outdoors from around mid-May.

Propagating heliotropes from cuttings can be done in autumn or spring. First, locate a healthy shoot that is about 10cm long and cut it from the mother plant. Then, plant the cutting in a container with potting soil and water it. The cutting will form roots and shoots within a few weeks and grow into a new heliotrope plant.

Are heliotropes poisonous?

Yes, heliotrope plants are poisonous. So, no matter how enticing they smell, do not eat them. All parts of the plant, especially the roots, contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which serve to defend the plant against predators. Consumed in large quantities, pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause severe liver damage.

Are heliotropes bee friendly?

Yes! We aren’t the only ones who like the scent of heliotropes. There’s plenty of food for bees in the numerous flowers, and butterflies are regular visitors too.