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Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Helioptropes are naturally found in dry and sandy habitats such as those in Mexico and South America. They are often cultivated for garden use as they bear sweetly scented tiny flowers which are formed in a dome or flattened flower head.

Heliotropium arborescens is a compact cultivar, suitable for growing in containers as well as at the front of ornamental borders. Although technically a shrub, it's more usually grown as a half-hardy annual. Its flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies. For best results grow Heliotropium arborescens in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes

Heliotropium and wildlife

Heliotropium is known for attracting bees and butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Heliotropium poisonous?

Heliotropium is harmful if ingested.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is known to attract People
People
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