About
A tender bushy upright evergreen shrub to 1.2m tall, with wrinkled, dark green ovate leaves and clusters of small, very scented purple flowers in summer.
About the genus
Heliotropium can be annuals, perennials, sub-shrubs or shrubs, with simple leaves and large clusters of small, scented flowers in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Sub-tropical
FragranceFlower
ToxicityPets: Harmful if eaten repeatedly. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free compost in full light but with some protection from hot sun. Outdoors grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Water moderately in the growing season and apply a balanced fertiliser once a month. In the winter keep the rootball just moist
PruningTip-prune shoots on young plants in early spring to promote bushy growth. Older leggy plants can gave their stems shortened by half in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in spring at 16-18C (61-64F). Take softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGlasshouse whitefly may be a problem if grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally problem free