Plants
Heliotrope
Heliotropium arborescens · Boraginaceae
Heliotrope is one of the few bedding plants you smell before you see it: its deep violet flower clusters give off a warm, sweet vanilla scent that fills a whole balcony on mild evenings. As a container and bedding plant it flowers tirelessly from May until the first frost. We collect our heliotropes from the auction in spring in compact, well-branched quality so they carry straight on flowering for you.
- Light
- Sunny to lightly part-shaded; the more light, the richer the flowering and scent.
- Watering
- Water regularly and evenly; the root ball should never dry out completely.
- Care level
- Medium
- Botanical
- Heliotropium arborescens
Compact cultivars such as ‚Marine‘ dominate the trade, with very dark, almost black-violet flowers and deep green, wrinkled foliage. Alongside them are paler selections in lavender and white, plus standard-trained specimens that make lovely little scented trees in pots. Older, more strongly scented varieties have become rarer but are worth seeking out.
The scent is this plant's real capital. It is most intense in the evening sun and draws bees, bumblebees and butterflies in numbers. Place heliotrope near a seating area — by the patio door or on the balcony table — and you will enjoy it all summer.
It wants full sun to light partial shade and a nutrient-rich, evenly moist soil. In blazing midday heat on a south-facing balcony it appreciates a little shade at noon, otherwise the soft leaves wilt quickly. It tolerates waterlogging as poorly as a bone-dry root ball — that balancing act is what makes it a medium-effort plant.
The most common mistake is overwintering it in a dark cellar: heliotrope is not a pelargonium. It is not hardy and is usually grown as an annual here; if you want to overwinter it, it needs a bright, cool spot at around ten to fifteen degrees. The second classic error is forgetting to deadhead — spent clusters noticeably slow down new flushes.
For combinations, the rich violet is a grateful partner for warm tones: yellow marigolds, orange begonias or the red of classic pelargoniums. Tone on tone with lavender and blue petunias it makes a fragrant, very elegant box. Important to know: the plant is toxic in all parts, so it is not one for an edible balcony with toddlers around.
Is Heliotrope toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
All parts of the plant contain liver-damaging pyrrolizidine alkaloids and are toxic to cats, dogs and children. Do not grow it within reach of pets and small children; wash your hands after pruning.
Typical symptoms: After ingestion: vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea; larger or repeated amounts can cause liver damage. If ingestion is suspected, contact a doctor or vet.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Give it full sun to light partial shade; in high summer it tolerates a little shade at midday.
- 02Keep evenly moist — never let it dry out, but avoid waterlogging too.
- 03Feed weekly with liquid fertiliser from May to September; it is a heavy feeder.
- 04Deadhead spent clusters regularly and it will keep flowering until frost.
- 05Only move it outdoors after the last late frosts in May; it takes no frost at all.
- 06Wear gloves when handling and keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently asked
- Is heliotrope hardy?
- No. Heliotropium arborescens comes from South America and dies at even light frost. Here it is almost always grown as an annual. If you want to keep it, overwinter it in a bright, cool spot at ten to fifteen degrees and cut it back in spring.
- Why does my heliotrope hardly smell?
- The scent depends heavily on variety, warmth and time of day. Some modern compact cultivars were selected for flower power rather than fragrance. The plant smells most intense on warm evenings in a sunny spot — on cool, rainy days it holds back.
- Is heliotrope toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids it contains are toxic to cats, dogs and people, and larger amounts can damage the liver. The plant therefore does not belong within reach of nibbling pets or small children.
- How do I keep heliotrope flowering all summer?
- Three things: deadhead regularly, feed weekly and never let it dry out. Heliotrope is a heavy feeder that responds to nutrient shortage with immediate flowering pauses. Keep up that routine and you will have flowers from May until the first frost.