James H. Schutte
Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
Heliotropium arborescens 'Blue Wonder'
Plant Common Name
Blue Heliotrope, Blue Wonder Heliotrope
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
More petite in size while producing lots of fragrant blooms, Blue Wonder heliotrope is a tender perennial garden flower that originates from Peru. It is commonly grown as a bedding annual but is a shrubby evergreen perennial where hardy.
This compact, bushy plant has attractive green leaves with deep venation. When conditions are favorable, it produces large, rounded clusters of many tiny tubular purple to light blue-violet flowers. These have a sweet, fruity fragrance. In fact, an old common name for Heliotropium arborescens is "cherry pie." The sweet blooms are irresistible to butterflies and bees and are followed by brown fruits. Regular deadheading will keep the plants looking fresh while encouraging further flowering.
Heliotrope grows best in full to partial sun and evenly moist, but well-drained, fertile soil. Regular deadheading will keep flowers coming in profusion as will regular fertilizer. Plant this favorite bedding plant anywhere where a dark accent flower is desired, including where light seaspray may reach its blackish green leaves. Its size is perfect for containers.
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
12"-16" / 30.5cm - 40.6cm
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Width
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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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
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Indigo, Blue Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
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
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
