Also known as Heliotrope · 14 saves
Heliotropium
Heliotropium, the genus most gardeners know as heliotrope. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Heliotropium varieties
Species of Heliotropium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Heliotropium in Sow
Save the Heliotropium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Heliotropium
Whats common across all Heliotropium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Heliotropium year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- DeadheadMay–September100% of varieties
Remove spent flower clusters to promote continuous blooming
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, especially in containers
- Pinch TipsApril and May75% of varieties
Pinch growing tips when young to encourage a bushier habit
- Winter PrepSeptember and October75% of varieties
If desired, pot up and bring indoors before first frost to overwinter
Do
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil become waterlogged
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing during dormancy
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Heliotropium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Heliotropium
seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring and keep consistently moist for 2-3 weeks.
cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Insert into moist soil or rooting medium and mist daily.
- Wait 6 weeks for roots to develop before transplanting.
Heliotropium questions
How many types of Heliotropium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Heliotropium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 14 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Heliotropium grow in?
Across its varieties, Heliotropium covers USDA Zones 10–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Heliotropium bloom?
Most Heliotropium varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Heliotropium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.