Overview
Heliotropium indicum is a bushy bedding in the genus Heliotropium, part of the Boraginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Heliotropium indicum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include bedding, containers and wildlife gardens.
About
Heliotropium indicum, commonly known as Indian heliotrope or Indian turnsole, is an annual, hirsute plant. It has a curved arrangement of small flowers and velvety broad green leaves. Native to Asia and Africa, it is a common weed in waste places and settled areas. It contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids but has been used in traditional medicine. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). Suggested uses include bedding, containers and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heliotropium indicum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heliotropium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Heliotropium indicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bedding, Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Bedding, Containers, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heliotropium indicum
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Generally problem free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heliotropium indicum?
Heliotropium indicum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliotropium indicum need?
Heliotropium indicum grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Heliotropium indicum hardy in the UK?
Heliotropium indicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Heliotropium indicum?
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Heliotropium genus
- Heliotropium amplexicaulesummer heliotrope
- Heliotropium arborescens 'Gatton Park'
- Heliotropium arborescens 'Nagano'
- Heliotropium arborescens 'White Queen'
- Heliotropium arborescens Cherry Pie
- Heliotropium Simply Scentsational ('Ushtrp0303')heliotrope 'Ushtrp0303'
- Heliotropium arborescens Baby Blue ('Balhelbabim')