Pasture heliotrope
Heliotropium amplexicaule · Heliotropiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pasture heliotrope: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April to September)
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (prefers mild climates, minimum 10°C)
- Origin
- Central America and South America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, slightly dry
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season, without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter or during dry periods. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings. Caution: excess moisture promotes root rot.
Exposure
Plant heliotrope in full sun for optimal flowering and a compact plant. Light partial shade also works but reduces blooms. Avoid cold drafts and dense shaded areas.
Soil Preparation
Use light, well-drained substrate enriched with potting soil and sand. Overly compact or overly rich soil promotes vegetation at the expense of flowers. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root problems.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 days during the flowering period (spring-summer). Stop all fertilizing in winter or during dormancy. Excess nitrogen fertilizer produces abundant foliage but few flowers.
Pruning and Pinching
Pinch young stems early in the season to encourage branching and a compact shape. Remove faded flowers regularly to stimulate new buds. Light spring pruning helps reshape the plant.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for spider mites and aphid attacks in dry or hot climates. Powdery mildew may appear in humid, confined conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Heliotrope owes its scientific name to its ability to 'follow the sun' (from the Greek 'helios' = sun and 'tropos' = turn). Although less spectacular than sunflowers, the plant displays marked heliotropism especially in young plants. Its flowers exhale a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, particularly appreciated in late afternoon, which made it a prestigious plant in Victorian gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.