Heliotropium

The genus Heliotrope (Heliotropium) has 250 species of herbaceous annuals and shrub perennials. Stem-embracing heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicauie) is a perennial shrub 30 cm high, with lilac flowers that bloom in summer. The most common Peruvian heliotrope (H. peruvianum) is a densely branching shrub up to 50 cm high (it is lower if grown in a pot), with small fragrant dark purple flowers that bloom in late spring - early summer. Leaves are elongated-oval, slightly pubescent, dark green above and lighter below. The species is perennial, but it is usually grown as an annual. One of the widely cultivated evergreen hybrids obtained from him appeared as a result of crossing with heliotrope scutellum (H. corymbosum), used only for breeding work. The name hybrid heliotrope (Heliotropium x hybridum) hides numerous herbaceous and shrubby garden forms with oblong-lanceolate leaves. The flowers are white, blue, blue, purple and bicolor, lilac with a white core; have a strong pleasant aroma, usually small, collected in cymosis corymbose inflorescences that adorn the plant during the warm season. When growing in pots, they choose low-growing forms (30-40 cm), and in the open field they grow taller.

The genus Heliotrope (Heliotropium) has 250 species of herbaceous annuals and shrub perennials.

Stem-embracing heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicauie) is a perennial shrub 30 cm high, with lilac flowers that bloom in summer.

The most common Peruvian heliotrope (H. peruvianum) is a densely branching shrub up to 50 cm high (it is lower if grown in a pot), with small fragrant dark purple flowers that bloom in late spring - early summer. Leaves are elongated-oval, slightly pubescent, dark green above and lighter below. The species is perennial, but it is usually grown as an annual. One of the widely cultivated evergreen hybrids obtained from him appeared as a result of crossing with heliotrope scutellum (H. corymbosum), used only for breeding work.

The name hybrid heliotrope (Heliotropium x hybridum) hides numerous herbaceous and shrubby garden forms with oblong-lanceolate leaves. The flowers are white, blue, blue, purple and bicolor, lilac with a white core; have a strong pleasant aroma, usually small, collected in cymosis corymbose inflorescences that adorn the plant during the warm season. When growing in pots, they choose low-growing forms (30-40 cm), and in the open field they grow taller.

Cultivation

Heliotropes are grown outdoors to create carpet flower beds or in pots on balconies and terraces. In the cold season, potted plants are removed from the street. Heliotropes are planted in the soil at the end of spring at the end of frost in fertile, rich in organic matter, loose soil. When grown in pots, the substrate is composed of leafy, turfy soil and sand. During planting, a mineral complex fertilizer is applied, preferably with a prolonged action (20-30 g/m2 when grown in open ground and 30 g per bucket of soil when grown in pots). In spring and summer, the plants are fed - a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in an amount of 10-20 g per bucket.

Heliotropes are grown outdoors to create carpet flower beds or in pots on balconies and terraces. In the cold season, potted plants are removed from the street. Heliotropes are planted in the soil at the end of spring at the end of frost in fertile, rich in organic matter, loose soil. When grown in pots, the substrate is composed of leafy, turfy soil and sand. During planting, a mineral complex fertilizer is applied, preferably with a prolonged action (20-30 g/m2 when grown in open ground and 30 g per bucket of soil when grown in pots). In spring and summer, the plants are fed - a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in an amount of 10-20 g per bucket.

Location

In the open air, heliotropes are planted in the open sun; in a pot culture, they are placed in a brightly lit place.

Temperature

The minimum winter air temperature is 5 °C. If you want the plant to develop quickly, the temperature should not be lower than 15 °C.

Watering

It is watered regularly in the spring and summer, which primarily applies to potted specimens. This is necessary in order to ensure a constant sufficient soil moisture.

Transplant

Produced in March using larger pots (up to a diameter of 20 cm). Then they are limited to replacing the surface layer of the earth with a new one.

Reproduction

Reproduction by apical cuttings can be done all year round, but it is preferable to do this in the summer (in the air) or in early spring in a bright indoor room with a temperature of 8-10 °C and moderate humidity. For root formation, a substrate of agroperlite and peat (1:1) is best suited. Seedlings obtained from cuttings taken in the summer are planted in a permanent place next spring. Sowing of seeds is carried out in March in boxes. Seedlings are thinned out, sifted down. They are hardened before disembarkation. But this method is unreliable, since plants that differ from the botanical species can be obtained.

Diseases

Leaf spots are provoked by various fungi. They are disposed of with the help of fungicides. In an excessively humid environment, gray rot of vegetable crops (Botrytis cinerea) may appear on young leaves and flowers, which is fought with the help of appropriate preparations. Another fungus, the causative agent of verticillium wilting (Verticillium albo-atrum), leads to blockage of blood vessels, and then to the death of the plant. It is recommended to fight this disease prophylactically, using uninfected soil when growing both in the garden and in a pot.

Acquisition

For planting - both in a flowerbed and in pots - it is recommended to purchase ready-made seedlings. At the same time, compact and healthy specimens are chosen.