Garden Heliotrope Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine'
ABOUT
The heliotrope 'Marine', notable for its richly fragrant flowers, exhibits a bushy, upright habit with densely arranged leaves. These leaves are dark green, with a wrinkled texture, and generally have a broad, lance-shaped appearance. Throughout the blooming season, this plant produces clusters of tiny, vivid violet or deep blue flowers that are small and funnel-shaped, gathering at the tips of the stems in large, rounded groupings that resemble miniature bouquets. As the name 'Marine' suggests, the hues of the blossoms could be reminiscent of the ocean. The flowers are well-known not just for their color, but also for their delightful vanilla or cherry pie-like scent, which becomes more pronounced during the warm parts of the day and can attract butterflies and other pollinators. This charming and delightful plant is also a favorite among gardeners for its lovely color and fragrance, which can create a soothing and inviting atmosphere in garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Garden Heliotrope, Cherry Pie, Common Heliotrope, Peruvian Heliotrope
Common names
Heliotropium peruvianum, Heliotropium arborescens.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden heliotrope contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to humans. These compounds can cause liver damage when ingested in sufficient quantities. The toxicity is cumulative and symptoms may not appear immediately. Chronic exposure can lead to severe liver disease, including hepatic veno-occlusive disease, which can be life-threatening. Ingesting any part of the garden heliotrope plant should be avoided to prevent these possible health risks.
To pets
Garden heliotrope is also toxic to pets due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These toxins can lead to liver damage in animals if ingested. Like in humans, the symptoms may not be immediately apparent and can include lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice, or signs of liver failure. Chronic ingestion can be severely harmful and potentially fatal, so pets should not be allowed to consume any part of the garden heliotrope plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Peru
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine', commonly known as Garden Heliotrope, is known to attract bees and butterflies to the garden, which promotes pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its deep violet or purple flowers that are clustered in showy, rounded heads, Garden Heliotrope provides visual interest and aesthetic appeal to garden spaces.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, which can be quite pleasant in the garden or when cut and brought indoors.
- Compact Growth: As it is a cultivar that typically exhibits compact growth, it fits well in smaller garden beds or containers, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: Garden Heliotrope blooms from early summer to autumn, offering a long season of visual and olfactory enjoyment.
- Versatile Use: It can be used in various garden settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and container gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine' is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a good plant choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Companion Planting: It can be effectively paired with other plants that share similar growing conditions, providing the opportunity for interesting and complementary garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine', commonly known as heliotrope, is used as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to its strong fragrance which can deter certain pests.
- Heliotrope flowers can be floated in a bowl of water as a decorative and fragrant indoor arrangement, providing a unique alternative to cut flowers.
- The plant can be used in making potpourri blends because of its vanilla-like scent, adding a pleasing aroma to rooms when dried and mixed with other botanicals.
- Heliotrope can be planted in outdoor living areas where the evening fragrance can be enjoyed, as the scent is often stronger at night.
- Gardeners use heliotrope as a companion plant to vegetables and fruits, believing it can enhance the overall growth and health of nearby plants.
- The vibrant colors of heliotrope flowers are sometimes used as a natural dye for fabrics, though this is not a widespread practice.
- Heliotrope is often included in sensory gardens due to its tactile and aromatic qualities, which provide an engaging experience for visitors.
- It can serve as a teaching tool in educational gardens, illustrating plant growth patterns like heliotropism, where the plant turns towards the sun.
- Artists and crafters sometimes use pressed heliotrope flowers for creating botanical artwork, stationery, or other ornamental items.
- In perfumery, heliotrope's scent is occasionally replicated synthetically due to its popularity, although the plant itself is not a common direct source of essential oils.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cherry Pie Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cherry Pie Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion â Heliotrope is often associated with unwavering devotion due to its characteristic of turning towards the sun throughout the day, much like unwavering attention or dedication to a loved one or cause.
- Eternal Love â The heliotrope's continual orientation towards the sun symbolizes an eternal connection, just as eternal love represents a never-ending bond between individuals.
- Healing â In some traditions, heliotrope is believed to posses healing properties, hence it symbolizes recovery and the healing of physical or emotional wounds.
- Attraction â The sweet fragrance of heliotrope blooms is said to attract beneficial energies, blessings, and positive attention, making it a symbol for drawing in desire or interest.
WaterThe common name of Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine' is garden heliotrope. It requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. For optimal growth, water garden heliotrope deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time to thoroughly moisten the soil. In hotter, dryer periods, increase the frequency of watering to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging as the plant's growth slows down. It's important to use well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which can happen if the plant sits in wet soil for too long.
LightGarden heliotrope thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for garden heliotrope would be one where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers a position that offers morning sunlight and protection from intense afternoon heat, which can cause the leaves to scorch, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureGarden heliotrope prefers warm temperatures and does best when the temperature is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it can survive minimal frost, temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can harm the plant. It's essential to protect garden heliotrope from cold drafts and ensure that it's not exposed to temperatures below freezing.
PruningPruning garden heliotrope encourages bushier growth and more abundant flowering. It's best to prune in the spring, cutting back any dead or weak stems to maintain the plant's shape and size. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, throughout the blooming season will promote continuous blooming. Pruning can be done as needed, but a more thorough pruning should be done yearly to refresh the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Cherry Pie Plant thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat, and sand or perlite promotes healthy growth. Regular amendment with organic matter such as compost will benefit the plant's root system and overall health.
RepottingCherry Pie Plants should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Use a slightly larger pot to ensure adequate space for the roots to expand.
Humidity & MistingCherry Pie Plant prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-50%. It thrives with some humidity, but it is adaptable to lower humidity environments typical of most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, high humidity, and warm temperatures for Cherry Pie Plant.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, protect from strong winds, and water regularly for Cherry Pie Plant.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleHeliotropium arborescens 'Marine', commonly known as the Garden Heliotrope, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil in spring. Seedlings emerge and grow into bushy plants with dark green foliage, reaching full size within a few months. The Garden Heliotrope then enters its flowering stage, producing clusters of small, fragrant purple flowers throughout the summer months. After pollination, often by bees and butterflies, the flowers develop into small, inconspicuous fruit containing seeds. As temperatures drop in autumn, this perennial plant may die back, entering into dormancy over winter depending on the climate. In milder climates or when protected, it may retain its foliage year-round, and with proper care, the Garden Heliotrope will repeat this life cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine,' commonly known as the Marine Heliotrope, is often propagated through stem cuttings. This method is quite popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time to take stem cuttings for propagation is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a moist potting mixture. Keeping the cuttings in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and ensuring the soil stays moist will encourage rooting. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted.
