Plant Profile: Heliotropium

Heliotrope is a genus of semi-hardy perennials that are typically cultivated as annuals, although they can thrive as perennials in USDA zones 9 and 10. This plant is prized for its charming clusters of small flowers, which can be blue, purple, or white, and emit a subtle fragrance reminiscent of vanilla and almonds, with older varieties being particularly aromatic.

In their natural habitat, heliotropes are commonly found in forests or damp regions. They flourish outdoors in moist, well-drained soil under full sunlight, or can be grown indoors in a brightly lit space that offers some shade from the harsh afternoon sun. Depending on the specific cultivar, heliotropes may bloom in the spring, summer, or fall.