Heliotropum contains about 325 species . Heliotropes are notoriously heavy feeders that need to be fertilized regularly throughout their growing season. It is best to grow Heliotrope indoors first and then transplant later. Learn how to grow these attractive perennials in your garden. Heliotropes are highly toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock and can lead to death if ingested. Growing heliotropes in containers also means that they can be easily overwintered indoors if desired. They grow well in USDA zones 9 through 11. Grab a copy of our NEW encyclopedia for Kids! The plants prefer full sun and even moisture. Unavailable for 2021 . Heliotropium L. – heliotrope. The taxonomy of the order Boraginales is contentious, and Miscellaneous: The plant gets its name through their ability to turn leaves so as to follow the sun. It is highly toxic for dogs and cats. Heliotrope is poisonous if ingested, so placing them in hanging baskets also keeps them out of reach from children and pets. They do not do well in overly hot or humid weather and they are highly frost-tender. Helioptropes are naturally found in dry and sandy habitats such as those in Mexico and South America. Cori is a freelance writer based out of Ontario, Canada, who specializes in houseplants and houseplant care. All have the same dark green, deep-veined, ovate leaves, and large clusters of … Updates? across (10 cm), of tiny violet, purple, blue or white flowers with a sweet delicate fragrance. They are often cultivated for garden use as they bear sweetly scented tiny flowers which are formed in a dome or flattened flower head. Heliotrope flowers grow in one-sided clusters that follow the sun, which led to their name which is directly derived from the Greek words helios (meaning ‘sun) and tropos (meaning ‘to turn’). When grown in the garden, heliotropes should be fertilized at least once a month. Heliotropium arborescens is a tender perennial shrub grown as a summer annual or container plant. There are many different varieties of heliotropes, but the most popular heliotrope varieties are as follows: Heliotropes make great container plants as they are small plants, that are not invasive (i.e. Heliotropium arborescens, commonly called heliotrope, is native to Peru. Plants of the Borage Family If you have ever pulled "beggar's ticks" (flat, tear-drop-shaped stickers) from your clothes, then you have met one member of the Borage family, also called "hound's tongue" (Cynoglossum) The plants of this family are often rough and hairy, usually with simple, alternate leaves.The flowers are bisexual and mostly regular. Subordinate Taxa. Heliotrope is a member of the Boraginaceace family of plants with up to 250 species, all fragrant and good butterfly attractants. Once the last frost has passed, the heliotrope seedlings can be transplanted into the garden or a container outdoors. It has fragrant, purple to white, flat-clustered, five-lobed flowers in coiled sprays, similar to forget-me-nots. Clusters of small purple or blue blooms top off darker green foliage. In St. Louis, it is usually grown as a summer annual bedding plant or container plant where it will typically grow 12-18” tall in a growing season. /ˈhiːli.ətroʊp/ ). A location that receives bright morning sunlight and light shade in the afternoon is ideal. If consumed in large quantities, it can also be toxic to humans. If you are worried about curious pets or children getting into these plants, planting them in hanging baskets or containers that are out of reach is recommended. Heliotropes are related to comfrey, forget-me-nots, and amsinckia - which all belong to the Boraginaceae family. Heliotrope, (genus Heliotropium), genus of mostly herbaceous plants in the family Boraginaceae, distributed in tropical or temperate zones throughout the world. Unavailable for 2021 . Keep heliotrope plants well watered. All are tropical or subtropical shrubs or subshrubs (a somewhat woody plant sometimes grown and used as a shrub or perennial). Plant them next to walkways, doors and windows where their fragrance will be enjoyed. More Details. Unavailable for 2021 . “heliotrope” (as well as the original genus name Heliotropium) comes from the Greek helios, or “sun,” and trepein, or “to turn.” It refers to the belief that the plants turn their flowers toward the sun. They are considered low- to medium-maintenance plants that benefit from some regular pruning and care. Heliotropium is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae), also known as the forget-me-not family. ∎ a light purple color, similar to that typical of heliotrope flowers. When grown in containers, heliotropes will need to be watered significantly more often as the plant will absorb the water more quickly. Some gardeners describe the scent of the flowers as vanilla, while others insist they smell like cherry pie! Heliotropium, also commonly referred to as ‘heliotrope’, is a genus of flowering plants in the Boraginaceae family containing around 325 species. Spearmint (Mentha spicata): A Fantastic Herb to Naturally Deodorize Kitchen Smells Pasture Heliotrope (Heliotropium tenellum) Plant Type: This is a herbaceous plant, it is a annual which can reach 40cm in height (16inches). You can begin pinching back the stems and flowers in the early spring to encourage more lateral growth. Indian Heliotrope. Boraginaceae – Borage family. Family: Boraginaceae (Borage or forget-me-not family) Native range: Peninsula south into the Keys and Escambia County Growing to 1.2 m (3.9 ft) tall and broad, it is a bushy, evergreen, short-lived shrub with dense clusters of bright purple flowers, notable for their intense, rather vanilla-like fragrance. Salt heliotrope is a dicot angiosperm in the borage family (Boraginaceae). There are around 325 species in this almost cosmopolitan genus, which are commonly known as heliotropes (sg. I located these plants in Pt. How to Grow Heliotrope and other Heliotropium Plants in the Garden. It might be outdated or ideologically biased. Atlanta Heliotrope Plant. The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English trope / ˈhēlēəˌtrōp / • n. a plant (genus Heliotropium) of the borage family, cultivated for its fragrant purple or blue flowers, which are used in perfume. Heliotropes are not susceptible to any serious pests or diseases. It is a tender perennial shrub that grows 2-6’ tall in its native habitat. The taxonomy of the order Boraginales is contentious, and the genus Heliotropium is sometimes placed in its own family, Heliotropiaceae. White Marino Heliotrope Plant. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Growing a heliotrope plant brings satisfaction to the gardener not only in its dense cluster of delicate flowers, but in its delicious aroma. Heliotropes are full sun plants that require at least six hours a day of direct sunlight. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Corrections? Storage heliotrope during the winter. Heliotropium a genus of plants of the Boraginaceae family. Poisonings typically occur from ingestion of the green plant or when the plant becomes a contaminant in hay. Heliotrope seeds should be kept at a temperature between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (12-24 degrees Celsius) and should germinate within 28-42 days. Some people claim its the scent of vanilla, but my vote has always gone to its common namesake, cherry pie. Omissions? The genus has many weedy species and several that are cultivated as ornamentals. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. The cherry pie plant, or H. arborescens, is the most common species grown in the Americas and Europe. However, they prefer morning sun and in hot climates, intense afternoon rays may burn the delicate flowers. They are popular flowering perennials thanks to their stunning flowers and pleasant aroma and are synonymous with the ‘old cottage’ garden style. Although it’s a summer bloomer and enjoys hot weather, this wonderful plant doesn’t perform well in areas with high heat and humidity. Heliotrope, (genus Heliotropium), genus of mostly herbaceous plants in the family Boraginaceae, distributed in tropical or temperate zones throughout the world. The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). Family: Boraginaceae. Heliotropium is the Latin name given to a handsome genus of heavily scented, flowering plants within the large Borage family. The garden heliotrope, Heliotropium arborescens, is a tender shrubby perennial, or sub-shrub, of the borage family, with clusters of sweetly-scented blossoms in shades of purple, blue, or white. Mugu State Park. In its natural tropical range, it can grow 2 - 6 feet tall by 6 - 8 wide. All parts of heliotrope plants are highly toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock when ingested, leading to liver failure and even death. Scientifically known as heliotropium indicum, Indian heliotrope is an annual plant … By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. They are shrubs, underbrush, and herbs with alternate leaves. Growing Tips. and they are not prone to any serious pests or diseases. Price: 7.95 Shipping Spring 2021 - view dates here. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Native Introduced Native and Introduced. they won’t take over your container garden!) Simply Scentsational® Heliotrope Plant. Unavailable for 2021 . And they will winter easily indoors. Heliotrope make great bedding plants but can also be grown in containers. Pollinators love these flowers, too. Plant seedlings or transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in a full to part sun location on well-drained fertile soil. Heliotrope because of their decorative qualities can have many applications. Heliotropes, members of the genus Heliotropium, are annuals prized for their clusters of unique, fragrant flowers. Heliotrope should be brought into the house until the first frost. Seeds should be started indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost to ensure that the plants have time to bloom before the first frost hits in the fall. Regularly pruning your heliotrope plant will encourage consistent blooms and a fuller growth habit. Always check hay for signs of contaminants and ensure animals are provided plenty of quality hay and feed, if animals are left to graze ensure the pasture provides plenty of non hazardous plants … Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, and don’t allow the plants to dry out. With a backdrop of dark green pleated leaves, plants bear a resemblance to hydrangea or viburnum, and generally reach a mature height of between one and three feet tall. Boraginaceae. Heliotropes are temperate perennials that are native to the subtropical regions of Peru. Common heliotrope grows 2 to 3 feet high; some varieties are a compact 10 inches. One of the best-known members of the genus is garden heliotrope (H. arborescens), a shrubby perennial up to 2 metres (over 6 feet) tall but usually smaller. Blooming from summer to fall, this old-fashioned favorite produces showy rounded clusters, up to 4 in. Plant heliotropes in rich, loamy soil that is well-draining but retains some water. Heliotropes require lots of water in order to thrive. Heliotropium amplexicaule. Heliotropes grow best in dry climates with warm days and cool nights. This may delay the initial bloom but you will be rewarded with larger and more prolific blooms throughout the rest of the season. Silver Blue Marino Heliotrope Plant. Genus. It is strongly fragrant with a vanilla-like scent. Wild Heliotrope or Heliotropium curassavicum is a Perennial Herb that favors disturbed saline soils (moist or dry), grows in dense stands and can handle cold well enough to thrive in other mountain ranges in North and South America at elevations up to 6,300 feet.. If consumed in large quantities, they can also be toxic to humans. Heliotropium arborescens ‘Marine’ with Conoclinum coelestinum and Persicaria maculosa (Lady’s Thumb) on 10-5-18, #516-7. They open royal purple and slowly fade to lavender. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Place these plants where they can get plenty of direct sunlight and water them frequently to maintain moisture in the soil. An old-fashioned plant that has seen a resurgence in popularity, heliotrope is often first found by scent rather than by sight. The genus has many weedy species and several that are cultivated as ornamentals. There are many different species in the Heliotropium genus from all over the world, so it is important to check the botanical name to ensure you have the correct plant. Heliotrope 'Fragrant Delight' is a traditional favorite annual that bears loose, flat heads of intensely fragrant, deep lavender blooms. Heliotropium arborescens, the garden heliotrope or just heliotrope, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family Boraginaceae, native to Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Keep in mind that heliotrope plants grown in containers will require significantly more water than plants grown in the garden. With good care, you can expect your plants to grow about 18-24 inches tall. Regular pinching and deadheading will encourage more veracious blooms and a bushier, denser growth habit. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus that is meant for flowering plants. When grown outside of their native range, heliotropes are usually grown as annuals as they are highly frost-tender. Heliotrope likes full sun, or some afternoon shade if grown in an area where summers are hot. They also do fine and container. They are popular flowering perennials thanks to their stunning flowers and pleasant aroma and are synonymous with the ‘old cottage’ garden style. Heliotropes do not do well in heavy clay soils as they cannot tolerate ‘wet feet.’. Growing heliotropes from seed is the easiest and most popular way to grow these flowering perennials. 2 This family is large and, until recently was split it into several families, one of which was a one-genus family the heliotrope family (Heliotropiaceae). Plant in containers or in the ground spaced about 1 foot apart. Usually the heliotrope is a hairy annual herb that can grow up to 50 cm tall, however as mentioned earlier, it tends to stay in the 12-36 inch region. Since they are an upright grower they also make great plants to use in combination planters. Heliotropium /ˌhiːliəˈtroʊpiəm, -lioʊ-/ is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. Pinch back the young plants to … Family. Plant with caution. The Heliotrope genus consists of evergreen annuals, shrubs, and sub-shrubs. Usually smaller with much branched narrow stems. Blooming Habits: The heliotrope has clusters of 0.25 inches (6 mm) fragrant flowers with cherry pie or vanilla scent, from late spring to autumn. Scentropia™ Dark Blue Heliotrope Plant. Native to Peru, Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope) is a tender perennial shrub in its native habitat but usually grown as a summer bedding annual in most areas. Overwintered container plants may grow taller. A member of the borage family, common heliotrope is one of about 250 Heliotropium species, but it is the only one widely grown in gardens. Heliotropium, also commonly referred to as ‘heliotrope’, is a genus of flowering plants in the Boraginaceae family containing around 325 species. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Plants Database includes the following 30 species of Heliotropium . How to Grow and Care for the Spider Lily (Lycoris), How to Grow the Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), How to Grow Mexican Marigolds (Tagetes Erecta). Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/heliotrope-plant, heliotrope - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Those flowers have a sweet scent likened to pleasant aromas of vanilla, baby powder, grapes, or cherry pie. When grown in containers, they should be fertilized as often as every two weeks. They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.6 and 7.3. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but toxic to humans only if consumed in large quantities. The garden heliotrope will decorate the flower beds, which can grow in small groups with other types of decorative plants: low lilies, marigolds, sage and others.