Peruvian heliotrope(Heliotropium arborescens) is an original plant. Its flowers emit an amazing, sweet, vanilla scent in the evenings on hot days. These flowers are used to obtain heliotropic oil, which is used in the perfume industry. Get to knowthe most beautiful varieties of heliotrope , learn aboutgrowing Peruvian heliotropein the garden and how to propagate this plant. Here is a handbook of heliotrope cultivation!
Peruvian heliotrope - Heliotropium arborescens
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Peruvian heliotrope - varieties
Peruvian heliotrope is a plant that grows up to 40-60 cm tall , blooming from July to September. It produces attractive purple flowers, althoughwhite heliotrope varieties are also knownYou can find on salePeruvian heliotrope 'Marine'with blue or blue flowersblue-blooming 'Nautilus Blue'
Violet flowers of Peruvian heliotropelook great in yellow or orange compositions. They grow well next to plants such as: marigold, marigold or turtle. And for those who like subdued compositions, heliotrope will look great with white lobelia or verbena.
Growing heliotrope in the garden
We grow the Peruvian heliotrope as an annual plantThe dark blue flowers are gathered in the apical corymbs, they give off a pleasant vanilla scent. Heliotrope feels best in full sun , sheltered from the wind, where it looks good when planted in groups.
Good to knowAfter flowering, it is worth trimming the inflorescences of the heliotrope, which will extend the flowering period of this plant.
Heliotrope prefers a sunny position, and adequate sunlight guarantees the coloring of flowers and leaves.The substrate for heliotrope cultivation should be light, humus rich in nutrients and constantly moist , because even slight drying causes the edges of the leaves to dry up. The Heliotrope also likes regular feeding with compound fertilizers.
Although the heliotrope is mainly grown as an annual plant, it is possible to overwinter it.In order to overwinter the heliotrope, before the frosts, place the plant in a bright room at a temperature of about 10 ° CWatering should be sparing, but with time more and more intensive.In April, cut young shoots of the heliotrope above the second leaf and transplant the plant into a larger pot. In May, when the risk of frost is over, the plant should be planted again in the garden.
Peruvian heliotrope - Heliotropium arborescens
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Peruvian heliotrope - reproduction
Heliotrope is propagated by seeds and cuttings.Seeds of the heliotrope are sown in March under the glass . After about 4 weeks, the seedlings should be pierced into larger pots.
To propagate the heliotrope, you can usea mixture of compost soil, sand and peat in a ratio of 1: 1: 1 or buy ready-made soil for sowing seeds from a garden shop.
In turn,heliotrope cuttings are taken from Januaryfrom indoor wintering plants. The seedlings should be about 5 cm tall with the lower leaves removed. We leave only 2-3 leaves to limit water transpiration and drying out of the seedlings.Place the cuttings in pots with a light substrate, first dipping their lower parts into the rooting agent. Young plants should not be planted in the garden until the second half of May, when the risk of frost is over.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
