Mark A. Miller
Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
Heliotropium arborescens 'Alba'
Plant Common Name
Heliotrope, White Heliotrope
General Description
Deliciously fragrant and old-fashioned, white heliotrope is a classic summer bedding plant that originates from Peru. It is commonly grown as an annual but survives as a shrubby evergreen perennial where hardy. In the Victorian era is was especially popular in the garden.
The evergreen dark to medium green leaves of white heliotrope have pronounced venation. When growing conditions are favorable plants produce large rounded clusters of many tiny tubular creamy white flowers. These have a sweet fruity fragrance. The sweet blooms are irresistible to butterflies and bees and are followed by inconspicuous brown fruits. Regular deadheading will keep the plants looking fresh and encourage further flowering.
Heliotrope grows best in full to partial sun and evenly moist well-drained fertile soil. Regular deadheading will keep flowers coming in profusion as will regular fertilizer. Plant this favorite bedding plant anywhere where a light neutral color is desired.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 13
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
26"-36" / 66.0cm - 91.4cm
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Width
24"-30" / 61.0cm - 76.2cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
