Garden Heliotrope, Cherry Pie Flower, Peruvian Heliotrope, Peruvian Turnsole 'Blue Wonder' (Heliotropium arborescens)

Garden Heliotrope, Cherry Pie Flower, Peruvian Heliotrope, Peruvian Turnsole 'Blue Wonder'
Heliotropium arborescens

'Hybrid Blue Wonder' I find this is one of the most fragrant & you can smell it all over the yard.

I just love the way this bundles up the little purple flowers in round clusters. Wonderful image... thank you:)

Starshine, thank you very much. It's one of those plants that I grow every year.

But can you grow it in zone six?

I would like to know a little bit more about it, too. Can it take some shade?
A little later: I looked at the PDB and it said they could take a little shade. Does anyone here have some cuttings they would like to share?

This message was edited Saturday, Aug 16th 7:21 AM

This plant is absolutely beautiful! Where can I find this, and what conditions does it need? Very interested in Central Valley California....Thank you!

Annetta1, I grow this as an annual so you could do the same.

Woodspirit1, yes it can take some shade. This photo was taken of the heliotrope that is growing in a container on my back deck. It only gets some sun in the afternoon as it is on the north end of the deck. I find the plants with a bit of shade have a more intense colour. I start mine every year from seed.

Bellagato, glad you like the photo. I don't know where you are from but I am assuming the US. There must be loads of nurseries that sell the plants. If you prefer seeds, check out the following:
http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay;jsessionid=IMZY2ZZH0QVZDQ141WX1IRA?OfferCode=PH1&DisplayAvailable=A&storeId=10101&catalogId=10066&langId=-1&SearchUnion=Y&SearchText=heliotrope&mainPage=textsearchresults
They only have 'mini Marine', but it says it is fragrant.

http://www.thompson-morgan.com/seeds/us/list_h_5.html
Dwarf Marine & Hybrid Marine

http://www.dominion-seed-house.com/
This is where I bought my seed from. It is a Cdn.company. Heliotrope Hybrid Blue Wonder

http://www.selectseeds.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.cgi/05108.6.659062297694938322/files/html/product.htm
http://www.selectseeds.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.cgi/05108.10.1814622703394938322/files/html/product.htm
Plants & seeds.

I'm sure you will find lots more. DO NOT let this plant dry out or the leaves turn black & brittle starting from the bottom up. Plant in rich soil & fertilize regularly as it is a heavy feeder.
edited to read: just noticed you stated you were from California

This message was edited Saturday, Aug 16th 2:26 PM

broots,
I read that you start this from seed every year. I bought a pack of seeds and hopefully will be able to grow it this year. Any suggestions on how to start germination? When do you start your plants? I am in zone 5, and was thinking of starting in a week or two - do you think that would be too early (supposedly last frost is mid-May?
Thanks for your help,
Mara

Wish I was good with seeds. Maybe I can find it at a nursery.

mosc0022, I apologize for not replying to your thread sooner. Didn't have it marked to watch. I start my Heliotrope around Feb 15 & do not cover the seed. One of my books says to start 10-12 wk before last frost. Plants need good air circulation. I didn't start any this year as didn't get the seeds ordered in time. I also usually always soak all my seed overnight in a liquid seaweed/water mix unless they are pelleted or dust. Just make sure you do not let it dry out as it doesn't look very nice when the leaves turn all dry & black. Also a heavy feeder. I usually try & plant it near the sunroom or under a window because it smells so good. If you didn't start your seeds yet, maybe try & pick up a few plants to see if you like it. Good luck.

Anyone know where you can order plants?

woodspirit1, check the following:

http://www.selectseeds.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.cgi/0459.1.2130087965841110383

http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10101&langId=-1&mainPage=prod2working&ItemId=40564&PrevMainPage=textsearchresults&scChannel=Text%20Search&SearchText=plant%20heliotrope&OfferCode=R1H

I'm sure there are other places that you can also buy the plants from, but these are just a couple that came to mind.

wow, I did not realize it was an annual. Don't think I'll pay $14.95 for a plant. Thanks, though.

Got 200 seeds for 3.25 (Blue Wonder) at http://www.geoseed.com/
Best prices on seeds that I have seen. When you call you will probably will get a lady that worked there for 16 years. She said she worked for Park Seeds for 20 or 30 years prior to that. She is good. Difficult to use catalog. But the prices kept me working with it.
Bob