Also known as Cherry-Pie · Common Heliotrope · Fragrant Heliotrope
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) is a fragrant shrub prized for its clusters of deep purple, vanilla-scented flowers, perfect for borders and containers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Keep evenly moist
50% intensity
Allow top inch to dry between waterings, avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained loam
50% intensity
Warm conditions
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks from spring to autumn.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Good drainage is crucial to prevent overwatering issues.
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote more blooms. Prune back leggy stems in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Remove any dead or damaged foliage promptly.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Keep in a warm, bright location with high humidity until roots form, typically within a few weeks.
Repot your Garden Heliotrope every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Repotting is best done in spring before the active growing season begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
Where Garden Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Heliotropium |
| Species | Heliotropium arborescens |
Similar in genus Heliotropium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
