Exploring the world of heliotropes has been a delight—these vibrant, fragrant blooms add beauty and charm to any garden. With rich colors and a sweet scent, they’re a must-have for floral lovers.
But not all are garden-friendly! Along with 20 stunning varieties to plant, here are 4 you should avoid due to toxicity, invasiveness, or high maintenance.
1. Cherry Pie
The first time you encounter this variety, its rich, sweet fragrance captures your senses. The Cherry Pie heliotrope boasts stunning clusters of deep purple flowers that truly stand out in any garden. These flowers are perfect for adding a splash of color and fragrance.
Planted in a well-lit area, Cherry Pie thrives beautifully, becoming a striking focal point. Its enchanting scent often attracts pollinators, adding life to your garden. Regular care and pruning can yield continuous blooms.
For optimum growth, ensure it gets ample sunlight and proper watering. This variety is easy to maintain, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
2. Marine
Imagine a flower that resembles the tranquil depths of the ocean. The Marine heliotrope showcases deep violet-blue blooms that are breathtakingly beautiful. This variety is known for its dense flower clusters.
The Marine’s vibrant hue can complement various garden styles, adding a touch of elegance and calm. Its soothing appearance makes it a garden favorite. With proper care, these flowers can bloom continuously throughout the season.
To help them flourish, plant in well-drained soil and provide regular water. The Marine variety is resilient and can withstand some drought, enhancing its appeal.
3. Fragrant Delight
There’s something magical about a flower that combines beauty with a captivating scent. Fragrant Delight heliotrope offers delicate lavender flowers that perfume the air with a sweet aroma.
This variety’s charm lies in its ability to create a serene atmosphere in any garden setting. The soft lavender hue pairs well with other pastel flowers. It’s a perfect choice for garden borders or containers.
For best results, plant in full sun and ensure the soil is well-drained. Regular watering keeps the flowers vibrant. Fragrant Delight is easy to grow, making it a delightful addition to your floral collection.
4. Dwarf Marine
A compact version of its larger relatives, yet equally charming. Dwarf Marine heliotrope features dense clusters of deep blue flowers.
Its petite size makes it an ideal choice for small gardens or containers, adding a splash of color without overwhelming the space. Despite its size, it offers a rich fragrance.
This variety thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Minimal maintenance is required aside from regular watering. Dwarf Marine is perfect for those who love the beauty of heliotropes but have limited space.
5. Alba
Imagine the purest white flowers standing out against lush greenery. Alba heliotrope offers pristine white blossoms that create a serene and elegant garden vibe.
These flowers are perfect for adding contrast or complementing other colorful blooms in your garden. Their understated elegance is ideal for creating a peaceful floral retreat.
For optimal growth, position them in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular watering will ensure continuous flowering. Alba is a low-maintenance variety, suitable for gardeners seeking simplicity and beauty.
6. White Lady
A flower that brings an air of grace and sophistication to any garden. White Lady heliotrope is known for its delicate white blooms and captivating fragrance.
These flowers add a touch of elegance, perfect for garden paths or borders. Their scent is a pleasant surprise, enhancing the garden’s overall ambiance.
Plant them in sunny areas with well-drained soil, and they will thrive with minimal care. Regular watering is key to maintaining their vitality. White Lady is a favorite for those who appreciate beauty and fragrance in their garden.
7. Princess Marina
A flower fit for royalty, with its regal purple blooms. Princess Marina heliotrope brings a touch of luxury to any garden.
The deep purple flowers are visually striking and can be a focal point in both large and small garden spaces. Their fragrance is equally captivating, drawing in pollinators.
For the best results, plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Regular watering will keep these blooms vibrant. Princess Marina is a stunning addition for those who desire a touch of elegance and color in their garden.
8. Lemoine
A variety that stands out with its vibrant clusters of violet flowers. Lemoine heliotrope is a true showstopper in any garden.
Its bright, cheerful blooms bring life and color, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a lively atmosphere. The fragrance is an added delight.
Lemoine thrives in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Consistent watering helps maintain its vibrant blooms. This variety is perfect for those seeking to add a burst of color and fragrance to their outdoor space.
9. Blue Wonder
A flower that embodies the essence of a clear blue sky. Blue Wonder heliotrope offers sky-blue flowers that are truly enchanting.
These blooms are perfect for adding a touch of tranquility and charm to any garden. Their light fragrance is equally appealing, creating a serene environment.
For successful cultivation, place in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Consistent watering will keep the flowers fresh and vibrant. Blue Wonder is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and picturesque garden addition.
10. Sapphire
A jewel in the garden, with flowers as captivating as their namesake. Sapphire heliotrope displays deep blue blooms that shine brilliantly.
These flowers are perfect for creating a serene and elegant garden setting. Their rich color and light fragrance add to their appeal.
To ensure healthy growth, plant in well-drained soil and provide adequate sunlight. Regular watering will keep the blooms vibrant. Sapphire is a beautiful choice for gardeners wanting to add sophistication and tranquility to their space.
11. Purple Passion
The allure of vibrant purple blooms that captivate the eye. Purple Passion heliotrope is known for its intense color and visual appeal.
These flowers bring energy and vibrancy to any garden, making them a standout choice for floral enthusiasts. Their fragrance is subtle yet delightful.
Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight for best results. Regular watering will keep the blooms lush and lively. Purple Passion is an excellent option for those looking to add a splash of color and excitement to their garden.
12. Vanilla Scent
A flower that combines beauty with a delightful aroma. Vanilla Scent heliotrope offers charming white blooms with a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance.
These flowers are perfect for creating a soothing and inviting garden atmosphere. Their scent is both calming and refreshing.
Plant in well-drained soil with ample sunlight for best results. Regular watering will ensure continuous blooms. Vanilla Scent is a wonderful choice for gardeners who appreciate fragrant and beautiful floral additions.
13. Peruvian
A flower that transports you to the exotic landscapes of Peru. Peruvian heliotrope displays captivating purple flowers.
These blooms are perfect for adding a touch of exotic beauty and charm to any garden. Their fragrance is reminiscent of the tropics, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
For successful growth, plant in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Consistent watering will keep the flowers vibrant. Peruvian is ideal for those seeking an exotic and captivating garden addition.
14. Little Blue
A petite powerhouse of color and fragrance. Little Blue heliotrope features compact blue flowers.
Its small size makes it an ideal choice for containers or small garden spaces, adding a splash of color without taking up too much room. Despite its size, it offers a delightful fragrance.
To thrive, plant in a sunny area with well-drained soil. Regular watering is key to maintaining healthy blooms. Little Blue is perfect for those who love the charm of heliotropes but have limited space.
15. Lavender Lady
The elegance of lavender blooms that captivate the senses. Lavender Lady heliotrope offers delicate flowers that grace any garden.
These blooms are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and color, enhancing the overall garden aesthetic. Their fragrance is subtly enchanting.
For best results, plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular watering will ensure continuous flowering. Lavender Lady is an excellent choice for those seeking a refined and beautiful garden addition.
16. Sky Blue
The charm of light blue flowers that resemble the open sky. Sky Blue heliotrope is known for its delicate blooms and visual appeal.
These flowers bring a sense of calm and tranquility to any garden, making them a favorite among floral enthusiasts. Their fragrance is light yet pleasing.
For optimal growth, plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular watering will keep the blooms healthy. Sky Blue is an excellent option for those looking to add a touch of serenity to their garden.
17. Sweet Scent
The magic of a sweet aroma combined with visual beauty. Sweet Scent heliotrope offers purple flowers that are both beautiful and fragrant.
These blooms create an inviting and cozy garden atmosphere, making them a favorite among floral enthusiasts. Their fragrance is a delightful surprise.
Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight for best results. Regular watering will ensure continuous blooms. Sweet Scent is a lovely choice for those who appreciate fragrant and charming garden additions.
18. Sunlit Lavender
Sunlit Lavender is a heliotrope variety celebrated for its soft lavender petals that glow in the morning sun. This flower brings a sense of calm and serenity to gardens with its gentle color.
It flourishes in well-drained soil and appreciates regular watering, making it a rewarding choice for dedicated gardeners. Sunlit Lavender is often used in garden beds to create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere.
19. Midnight Sky
A flower that captures the essence of the night sky. Midnight Sky heliotrope features deep blue blooms that are truly captivating.
These flowers create a sense of mystery and allure, making them a standout choice for any garden. Their fragrance is subtle yet pleasing.
For best results, plant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Regular watering will ensure vibrant blooms. Midnight Sky is perfect for those seeking a dramatic and enchanting garden addition.
20. Lilac Dream
A flower that embodies the dreaminess of a soft lilac hue. Lilac Dream heliotrope offers delicate lilac blooms.
These flowers add a touch of whimsy and elegance to any garden, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Their fragrance is light and enchanting.
For optimal growth, plant in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Regular watering will ensure continuous blooms. Lilac Dream is a beautiful choice for those seeking a dreamy and elegant garden addition.
21. Salt Heliotrope
This coastal beauty loves sandy, salty soil and spreads aggressively. While it thrives in wild landscapes, in a home garden, it quickly becomes a nuisance.
It grows low and sprawling, creeping into unwanted areas and competing with other plants for space. Unless you want a heliotrope that behaves like an uninvited guest, it’s best to leave this one to the coastal dunes.
22. Indian Turnsole
A fast-growing invasive weed that takes over quickly. This variety self-seeds at an alarming rate, meaning once it’s in your garden, it’s hard to control.
It’s also known to harbor pests and can crowd out native plants, making it more of a problem than a pretty addition. If you’re looking for a well-behaved heliotrope, this is not the one.
23. European Heliotrope
A true double threat—both toxic and invasive. This heliotrope spreads aggressively and is classified as a weed in many regions.
It competes with native plants, making it an issue for biodiversity. Like other heliotropes, it’s also poisonous to livestock and wildlife, so planting it near grazing areas is a bad idea.
24. Toxic Heliotrope
The name says it all—this variety is one of the most toxic heliotropes out there.
It contains high levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, making it deadly to cattle, horses, and even humans if ingested.
While its tiny white flowers may look innocent, the risks far outweigh any aesthetic benefits.