Placeholder

Heliotropium arborescens 'Old Fashioned'

Also Known As

  • Old Fashioned Heliotrope

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 18"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

Heliotropium arborescens 'Old Fashioned' plant details

Heliotropium arborescens 'Old Fashioned' is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In spring and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Heliotropium arborescens 'Old Fashioned'

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, floriferous, fragrant, long-blooming, toxic

GROWING CONDITIONS for Heliotropium arborescens 'Old Fashioned'

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

These deliciously fragrant plants were used in masses in Victorian bedding out, mingling with petunias and confined within a neat border of sweet alyssum. Seed catalogs of that time listed many varieties, in colors from midnight purple 'Black King' to the silvery lavender 'Bruantii' that this selection most resembles. Best in temperate summer areas. Poisonous.

Gardening facts about Heliotropium arborescens 'Old Fashioned' plant

How to Grow Heliotropium arborescens 'Old Fashioned'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Heliotropium for your garden

aka Heliotrope

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Heliotropium arborescens by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Monkey Tail plant, Salt Heliotrope, Wild Heliotrope

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Heliotropium curassavicum by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Marine Heliotrope

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 6"-15"

  • sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Heliotropium arborescens 'Marine' flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

aka Heliotropium 'Lord Roberts'

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular
Photo of Heliotropium arborescens 'Lord Roberts' foliage by Jason Baker
View Plant

More Options

+7 more Heliotropium
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved