Indian heliotrope
Heliotropium indicum · Heliotropiaceae
Butterfly Bush is a charming plant valued for its spiraling purple flowers and sweet fragrance. Easy to grow and floriferous, it brightens gardens and containers from spring to autumn.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant indian heliotrope: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Butterfly Bush
- Family
- Heliotropiaceae
- Form
- Annual or perennial herb
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm tall
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn, purple spiral flowers
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Tender, grown as annual in temperate climates
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and America
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist but avoid excess water. Water as soon as the soil begins to dry on the surface. Reduce watering in winter for indoor specimens. Avoid standing water which promotes root rot.
Exposure
Place butterfly bush in full sun to encourage abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less profusely. Protect it from strong winds that can damage its delicate stems.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young plants to encourage bushy, compact growth. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to extend the flowering period. Remove dead or damaged stems in spring.
Soil
Choose rich, light, well-draining soil. Amend with compost or organic matter to promote good growth. Poor soil will limit development and flowering.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during the growth and flowering period. Reduce or stop feeding in winter. Prefer moderate feeding to avoid excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Excessive humidity can promote powdery mildew and rot. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Butterfly bush owes its name to its tiny flowers arranged in a tight spiral, a unique characteristic of the Heliotropium genus that has fascinated botanists for centuries. In tropical Asia, this plant is traditionally used in folk medicine, though its chemical composition warrants great caution. Its delicate, sweet fragrance makes it a prized ornamental plant among collectors of scented varieties.
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.