How to grow and take care of Heliotropes?

Heliotrope, native to the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, is a plant that bears beautiful clusters of lavender and white flowers with a charming fragrance. These bushy plants can immediately elevate your garden’s landscape with exquisite beauty and fragrance. The plant generally requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight to grow well and it blooms from spring to late autumn season, making your garden look vibrant for a long time. 

If you are looking for easy ways to make your garden look more appealing, then this is the right article for you. In this article, we are going to discuss how you can bring a delightful look in your garden by planting heliotropes. 

See also: How to grow and care for Boston ivy?

 

Heliotropes: Key facts

Scientific name	Heliotropium arborescens
Native area	Europe, Asia and Africa
Dimensions	2 to 4 foot
Toxicity	Mildly toxic
Growth requirements	Partial shade, well-drained soil and warm climate

 

Why should you grow heliotropes?

Before discussing how to grow these beautiful plants, here are a few reasons why you should consider growing heliotropes in your garden:

• Heliotropes have an aroma that is a mix of cherries and vanilla and can make your entire garden smell refreshing. It brings a sweet and calming aroma.
• The lavender and white flowers grow in small clusters, adding to the beauty of your garden. 
• The flowers also attract butterflies and bees, hence, contributing to the natural ecosystem of your garden and making it look more attractive. 
• These are low-maintenance plants that just require water and good sunlight. You get great rewards for such little effort.  

 

Growing a heliotrope

A heliotrope plant generally requires well-drained soil and direct sunlight in order to thrive. Make sure that you plant it in a spot that receives around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight in order to encourage the healthy growth of these plants. 

 

Prepare the soil

The next step is to make sure that you choose a spot that has well-drained soil that is also slightly acidic on the pH scale. You should also add organic fertilisers and compost to the soil to promote better growth of the plant. Adding compost also ensures no waterlogging and that the soil retains moisture. 

 

Planting heliotrope

First dig a hole almost twice the size of the plant’s root ball and the same in depth. Once you gently place the plant in the hole, fill it with soil once again and pat it down gently to level the ground. 

 

Taking care of a heliotrope

Taking care of a heliotrope is quite an easy process. Here’s what you should do:

Water regularly

Make sure that you keep the soil throughout, as heliotropes prefer slightly moist soil. You should water them at regular intervals, especially during summers. Also, make sure that you don’t overwater the plant, as it can cause damage. In order to keep the soil moist, you can add a thick layer of mulch that helps retain moisture. 

Using fertilisers

Fertilisers promote the growth of a healthy plant and you can use a well-balanced fertiliser that is rich in nutrients like potassium and nitrogen once every 4 weeks to make sure that the plant receives nutrients in the appropriate amount. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you are unsure about the amount. 

Pest control 

Pests often end up causing a lot of damage to the plant, so you should make sure that you use organic insecticides to keep them away and to keep the plant disease-free. 

 

Planting heliotrope in a container

If you are planning to grow the heliotropes in a container, you should choose a container that is large enough to fit the roots of the plant and allows proper drainage. You should follow all the necessary steps that you would do while growing it in your garden i.e. water when necessary and use fertilisers once in every four weeks. 

 

Toxicity

Heliotropes are considered highly toxic plants. They contain a substance called pyrrolizidine alkaloid which is harmful to human beings. The parts of the plant can be fatal when ingested in high quantities.

 

FAQs

What do heliotrope flowers like?

Heliotrope flowers have a sweet, vanilla smell which is cherished by people and this is why it is often found in gardens and parks.

When should I plant a heliotrope in my garden?

You can plant a heliotrope in your garden during the spring season, as it is considered as the growing season. By this time, the harsh winters are over and the plant gets enough time to grow.

How should I care for heliotropes in winters?

In order to care for the heliotrope in winter, you can apply a layer of mulch to trap the heat. Besides this, you should also consider moving the plant indoors, in a container to give it a proper environment to thrive.

Do heliotropes have various types?

Yes, heliotropes have a few kinds that differ in fragrance and size; some types are Marine, Cherry pie and Mini marine.

Does growing heliotropes require a lot of effort?

No, heliotropes do not require a lot of effort and they are often known as low-maintenance plants. They just need regular watering and pruning.

Can I plant heliotropes in a shaded area?

Heliotropes require sunlight for about 6 to 8 hours a day to survive. Hence, it is not advised to grow them in a shaded area.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com