Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Stan Shebs

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Heliotropium arborescens

Also Known As

Heliotrope

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 4'-5'
W: 6'-8'

planting zones

10a-11

More Options

Heliotropium arborescens plant details

Heliotropium arborescens is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer blue and lavender flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Heliotropium arborescens

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: blue and lavender blooms in summer
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Heliotropium arborescens

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: 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.

By: Select Seeds

A tender, old-fashioned perennial or subshrub to 4' high, grown for the delicate, sweet fragrance of its flowers. The deep purple blossoms are arranged in tight, rounded clusters, and the dark green leaves are heavily veined creating a quilted effect. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Prefers part shade in warmer summer climates, and full sun along the coast in moist, but well-drained soils. Prune annually to maintain a compact form. Hardy to 32 °F. Peru.