Cherry Pie, Mary Fox, White Queen — they all refer to that old, cottage garden beauty, Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens). Hard to find for many years, this little darling is making a comeback. Heliotrope flowers were a favorite in grandmother’s garden and heliotrope care a regular part of her summer routine.
LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11
CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water regularly and thoroughly. Container grown plants should be watered thoroughly when the surface of the soil just begins to dry.
FERTILIZER: Feed your Heliotrope monthly while it is actively growing, using a bloom type fertilizer (7-9-5) according to label directions.
FLOWERING: Assorted colors.
SOIL: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot.
DISEASE: Spray gomphrena with silicone oil NMI-500 or NMI-15 to prevent cutworms, aphids and beetles.