Care of the shrub Heliotropium arborescens or Heliotrope |
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The genus Heliotropium, family Boraginaceae, includes 150 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants distributed throughout the planet. Some species are: Heliotropium peruvianum, Heliotropium amplexicaule, Heliotropium europaeum, Heliotropium foertherianum. Common names: Heliotrope, Garden heliotrope, Cherry Pie. Scientific synonym: Heliotropium peruvianum. This species is native to Peru. They are open-growing evergreen subshrubs that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are alternate, dark green, ovate-oblong in shape and velvety in texture. The leaves and flowers give off a pleasant vanilla aroma. The small blue flowers appear in compact corymbs. They can bloom almost all year round. They are used on borders, on terraces, in groups next to a wall and in pots for patios and terraces. The Heliotropium peruvianum needs a semi-shade exposure and protected from the cold. The temperature should not be less than 7-10 ºC (44-50 ºF). The soil must contain abundant organic matter and be well drained. The planting is done in spring. Water frequently in spring and summer so that the substrate does not dry out completely; reduce watering in fall and water sparingly in winter. Fertilize with compost in the fall and with mineral fertilizer every 15 days during the summer. Lightly prune the tips of the stems in late winter. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by cuttings in spring or fall and from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Heliotropium arborescens or Heliotrope |
 Heliotropium arborescens  Heliotropium arborescens  Heliotropium arborescens |