#789 Heliotropium arborsecens Common Names: common heliotrope, cherry pie, turnsole Family: Boraginaceae (borage Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #789

The compact shape and ultra-violet-blue flowers of 'Marine' make it a favorite for butterfly gardens.

Location
Common heliotrope is originally from Peru.

Culture
When grown as a perennial shrub, either in the ground or in a container, heliotropes should be cut back hard in early spring to increase bushiness. Plants grown as annuals can be tip-pinched.
Light: Grow common heliotrope where it gets full sun in the morning, but some relief in the afternoon, especially in hot climates and especially for plants in containers.
Moisture: Heliotrope is not tolerant of drought, so provide plenty of water during dry periods in the growing season. They need less water in winter.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. Heliotropes are commonly grown as annuals in temperate regions, or in containers that can be brought indoors during freezing weather. They may need protection from frost in zone 9.
Propagation: The species can be propagated from seed sown at 60-65º F (15.6-18.3 ºC). Named cultivars are propagated from stem tip cuttings of semi-ripe wood in summer. Peg young, fast growing shoots to the ground in spring and they will take root.

In cooler Zones grow common heliotrope as an annual.

Features
Common heliotrope is cultivated commercially in southern Europe for oils that are extracted from the flowers to make perfume. Some people say the scent is like stewed cherries, hence one of the common names.

WARNING
Contact with heliotrope foliage may irritate eyes and sensitive skin. All parts are poisonous if ingested.

Steve Christman 9/2/00; updated 10/13/03

Copyright 1996 - 2009 Floridata.com LC Tallahassee, Florida USA