Heliotropium arborescens Seeds | Heliotrope
LATIN NAME: Heliotropium arborescens
COMMON NAME: Heliotrope, Cherry Pie, Garden Heliotrope
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) stands out as a bushy, evergreen perennial in the borage family, native to warm regions of peru and the south America, while it has been cultivated in gardens for a very long time. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the borage family, Heliotropium arborescens is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Heliotrope has a real and distinguished place in research. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Heliotrope for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Heliotrope is a bushy, evergreen perennial of warm gardens, bearing dense clusters of small, fragrant, purple flowers with vanilla-like scent through the summer. To raise heliotrope, sow seeds on surface of pots of moist, open compost in a warm, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the warmth. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Heliotrope is grown for its vanilla-scented flowers; the genus contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so it is an ornamental to admire, not to ingest.
Growing from Seed
Heliotrope is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Heliotrope repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Heliotrope often pair it with these related subjects: