How to Plant Heliotrope
Heliotrope is an old fashioned "cottage garden" flower, cherished since the 1800s for its trumpet-shaped flowers in white, blue or purple. Also known as "turnsole," due to the plant's habit of turning its flowers and leaves to track the movement of the sun, heliotrope has a sweet, cherry-like scent attracts butterflies. The plants are relatively carefree and non-invasive, making them an attractive addition to your home's landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select healthy, bushy plants that are well established; heliotrope grown from seeds take three months to reach transplant size.
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Choose a well draining, east-facing location where your plants will receive shade in the heat of the afternoon.
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Dig a hole twice the size of the plant's container. Remove the soil and use a spade to score the sides and bottom of the hole.
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Lay the container on its side and gently slide out the heliotrope plant, taking care not to break the roots.
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Place the plant into the prepared hole. Cover it with soil, patting down firmly around the base of the plant. Water immediately, soaking the entire planting area.
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Tips & Warnings
Heliotropes prefer rich soil; add potting soil, loam or fertilizer to the planting area. Plant heliotrope in masses to attract butterflies.
Heliotrope seeds are poisonous.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia commons
