Heliotropium arborescens

A shrubby evergreen perennial that grows up to 1.5m tall and wide.

Sweetly scented heads of tiny violet flowers bloom from spring through summer and even into autumn. These are combined with rough dark green oval leaves that have a hint of purple on them.

Prefers full sun with some afternoon shade and well-draining soil. Can be frost tender in some areas but is usually treated as a perennial in Auckland.

With suitable preparation and care, perennials will grow and flower well year after year. Young plants are easier to establish than larger ones. They will grow quickly when planted in autumn when soil is moist and warm. Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. On heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice sand. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring, apply organic fertiliser at a handful per square metre (e.g. blood and bone).

Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well-planned border, flowering plants should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Plant approximately 50cm apart.

Apply mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. This plant may require staking to hold up tall growth. This is best done with the help of surrounding plants. Alternatively, insert four stakes either in a square or rectangle around the plant and tightly stretch soft netting over the stakes at a reasonably low level. As the plant grows taller, add another layer of netting as required.

Throughout the flowering season, deadhead to encourage further flowering. Give a light trim back in autumn. In spring apply general fertiliser. Avoid wet overwintering conditions.

Cuttings can be taken from heliotrope in late summer for overwintering if desired.

Pest and disease-free unless grown inside then whitefly and mealybugs can be a problem.

Perennial Garden