The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Heliotropium arborescens. One of the most fragrant flowers, heliotrope— also called cherry pie— has been a favorite of American gardeners since the 1700s. The bushy, compact plants of 'Marine' are covered with large, 6"-10", scented flower clusters that attract butterflies. Grow in containers and window boxes, or near the front of a border so you can enjoy the fragrance. Can be grown for cut flowers, especially if grown in part shade, which elongates the stem. In areas with hot summers, plants appreciate afternoon shade.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
When to Plant Your Seedling
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun to Part Shade | 55-100 F | Rich, well drained soil | Moderate water, water soil not leaves |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 12" | 12-18" |
- Additional instructions: Benefits from pinching of blooms to create a large bush flower. Blooms from summer to frost. Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Good for Containers.
- The ideal conditions for growing heliotrope are a full sun location, and organically-rich, well-draining soil. The soil pH should be between 6.6 and 7.3. While it loves to bask in the rays, in regions with intense summer heat, it not only tolerates a little light afternoon shade, it benefits from this protection. One of the most important aspects of growing heliotrope is to keep the soil evenly moist, never letting it dry out completely, nor permitting it to get soggy and over saturated. Fertilization throughout the growing season is required, which poses an additional challenge. Be sure to choose a well-balanced product, such as 10-10-10 (NPK) and consider diluting it to see how it affects your plants.[4]
- Harvesting instructions: See #2 link
Common Diseases and Pests
- Aphids, spider mites, white fly, Mealy bugs
Useful Resources
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Marine-Heliotrope-Seeds
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Cut-Flower-Gardening-10-Tips-for-Success
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Making-Cut-Flowers-Last-Longer
- https://gardenerspath.com/plants/flowers/growing-heliotropes
- https://sfbaygardening.com/resources/bay-area-planting-calendar/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.