Heliotropium arborescens Marine - Garden Heliotrope

The 'Marine' Heliotrope is a famous variety of Peruvian Heliotrope with a fragrant dark blue flowering. Its flower umbels appear throughout the summer and autumn, filling the garden or terrace with fragrance in the evening. This tender shrubby perennial is often grown as a summer annual. It is also a beautiful plant for an orangery or conservatory, and easy to cultivate.

The Peruvian Heliotrope 'Marine' is a horticultural selection derived from Heliotropium arborescens (synonym: Heliotropium peruvianum), also known as "Saint-Fiacre's Herb", a botanical species belonging to the Boraginaceae family native to South America, particularly the highlands of southern Peru. In the wild, it is a bushy shrub. It can be grown in a pot (protected from frost in winter) or in the ground as a perennial. Its hardiness does not exceed -4 °C (24.8°F) at its lowest.

The 'Marine' Heliotrope quickly forms a well-branched bushy clump reaching about 40cm (16in) in all directions. Its stems, which lignify as they age, bear leaves that are 3 to 8cm (1 to 3in) long, ovate, puckered, rough to the touch, and a very dark green. The small flowers, in shades of dark blue-violet, are grouped in irregular, wide inflorescences measuring 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) in diameter. They exude a sweet fragrance with hints of vanilla and bitter almond, especially in the evening after a warm day. This flowering period lasts from July to October, or even until January for a plant grown in a conservatory. The leaves theoretically persist in winter.

The Peruvian Heliotrope was very popular during the Belle Époque, it has a somewhat theatrical charm, just like Gloxinias. It pairs perfectly with yellow to orange flowers and silver foliage in summer borders or containers. To accompany it, consider coastal Cinerarias, Artemisias, Nemophila, and California poppies...

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them in a sheltered location (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14 °C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.