Heliotrope Heliotropium 'Butterfly Kisses'
ABOUT
The Butterfly Kisses plant boasts a charming and captivating appearance with clusters of tiny, vivid flowers that resemble the shape of butterflies perched delicately atop the foliage. These flowers are a rich purple to lavender shade, blooming profusely and creating a dense floral display that can be quite eye-catching. The foliage of Butterfly Kisses is equally attractive, with its deep green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms. The leaves are typically broad with a somewhat wrinkled texture, adding to the overall plush look of the plant. This bushy, mounded plant exhibits a generous flowering habit that continues throughout the growing season, offering a continual splash of color in garden settings. The blossoms often exude a sweet fragrance, which can add to the sensory appeal of the plant. Overall, the appearance of Butterfly Kisses is characterized by its lively color, abundant blooms, and pleasing aroma, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy and charm to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
Cherry Pie, Common Heliotrope, Garden Heliotrope, Heliotrope.
Common names
Heliotropium arborescens 'Butterfly Kisses'.
ToxicityTo humans
Heliotropes, including the 'Butterfly Kisses' variety, contain toxic compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids. If ingested, these alkaloids can be poisonous to humans. Symptoms of heliotrope poisoning may include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as symptoms related to liver damage, like jaundice and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the ingestion of pyrrolizidine alkaloids can result in liver failure, which may be fatal if left untreated. Due to these toxic properties, all parts of the heliotrope plant should be considered potentially dangerous if ingested.
To pets
Heliotropes, including the 'Butterfly Kisses' variety, are toxic to pets due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids can cause liver damage when ingested by animals like dogs and cats. Symptoms of heliotrope poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and signs of liver failure such as jaundice, abdominal swelling, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to long-term health problems or even death. Therefore, it is essential to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the heliotrope plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Heliotropium 'Butterfly Kisses' is known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant colors and pleasant fragrance, it adds beauty and variety to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering once established.
- Heat Tolerance: This variety can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for warm climates.
- Long Blooming Season: Offering flowers for much of the growing season, it provides long-lasting visual interest.
- Container Gardening: Due to its compact size, it is well-suited for pots and containers, expanding its planting options.
- Edging Plants: Its growth habit makes it a great option for borders or edging in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Handmade Paper: Heliotropium fibres can be included in the production of handmade paper, adding texture and decorative elements.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves may be used to create a natural dye for fabric or crafting, providing subtle color variations.
- Aromatherapy: The strong fragrance of Heliotropium can be infused into oils or waters for use in aromatherapy practices.
- Photography Prop: The striking appearance of the plant makes it an excellent subject or backdrop for botanical photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique form and color of the Heliotropium 'Butterfly Kisses' may serve as inspiration for artists in various mediums.
- Floral Art: The flowers can be dried and used in floral art arrangements or potpourri mixes for decoration.
- Garden Theme Creation: Heliotropium can be a key plant in creating themed garden spaces, like butterfly or moonlight gardens.
- Edible Flower Garnish: While not widely used for culinary purposes, the flowers could potentially be used as a decorative, edible garnish, if deemed safe for consumption.
- Scented Bouquets: Fresh cut Heliotropium flowers can be included in bouquets to add a pleasant fragrance to indoor spaces.
- Insect Housing: Dense foliage of Heliotropium can provide shelter for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies within a garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeliotrope is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeliotrope is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion and loyalty: The name Heliotropium comes from the Greek word "helios" meaning sun and "tropos" for turn. The heliotrope plant is known for its tendency to turn towards the sun, symbolizing faithfulness and unwavering devotion, as if following a loved one.
- Eternal love: The 'Butterfly Kisses' variety, with its beautiful blooms, evokes the delicate and tender feelings associated with deep love that is both affectionate and enduring.
- Healing: Historically, parts of the heliotrope plant have been used for medicinal purposes, giving it a symbolic connection to healing and the soothing of pain.
- Attraction: The rich fragrance and striking appearance of the heliotrope are often associated with drawing in the positives, much like a magnet for good energy and admiration.
WaterHeliotrope, commonly called 'Butterfly Kisses', needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. In the growing season, water approximately every 7 to 10 days, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. It is best to water deeply so that the water reaches the root zone; this would typically mean using around 1 to 2 gallons per plant in each watering session, depending on the plant's size and the environmental conditions. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be required to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Reduce watering in the cooler months when the plant is not actively growing.
LightHeliotrope 'Butterfly Kisses' thrives in a spot where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in particularly hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to protect the plant from intense heat. Avoid deep shade as it can reduce flowering and cause the plant to become leggy.
TemperatureHeliotrope 'Butterfly Kisses' prefers warm temperatures and does best when the temperature is between 65°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F, but frost or prolonged exposure to temperatures below this range can be detrimental to the plant. The maximum temperature this plant can endure is around 90°F, above which the plant may need additional care, such as extra watering or shade, to mitigate the effects of heat stress.
PruningPruning Heliotrope 'Butterfly Kisses' is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Prune back the plant in late winter or early spring, cutting back by about one-third to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its shape. The best time for pruning is just before the new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Cherry Pie plant prefers well-draining soil with a mix of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part organic compost for optimal growth. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingCherry Pie plants should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they have outgrown their current pot, typically observed by roots crowding the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingCherry Pie plants thrive best with moderate humidity levels around 40-50%, away from dry air sources like heaters or air conditioners.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cherry Pie in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Cherry Pie in partial shade with shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleHeliotropium 'Butterfly Kisses', commonly known as Butterfly Kisses Heliotrope, begins its life as a seed that germinates in warm soil, typically in early spring. Following germination, seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic dark green, textured leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, growing vigorously and forming a bushy structure. Upon reaching the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are often a deep purple or violet, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds that can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. As the growing season ends, particularly in non-tropical climates, the plant will enter senescence and may die back, especially if exposed to frost or in areas with cold winters, completing its annual lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Heliotropium 'Butterfly Kisses', commonly known as heliotrope, is best propagated during the growing season, usually in spring to early summer, to ensure optimal root development prior to colder months. The most popular method of propagation for heliotrope is through softwood cuttings. Take a 3 to 6-inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Place the cutting in indirect light and ensure a warm environment to encourage rooting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to more direct light and eventually transplanted outside if desired.
