The Heliotrope, or “Vanilla Flower” as many of us call it, is actually a perennial by nature. However, since it’s originally from the Peruvian Andes, it’s not exactly a fan of chilly North American winters. That’s why most of us over here grow it as an annual, especially in balcony containers and window boxes.
Pick a Sunny Spot
If you’re planning to add some Vanilla Flowers to your balcony, try to give them a spot with plenty of southern exposure. These beauties really crave the sun; they tend to struggle and look a bit sad in partially shaded areas. Also, don’t be in too much of a rush to put them outside! Wait until the threat of night frost has completely passed—usually after Mother’s Day in many regions—before letting them live outdoors full-time.
Soil and Potting Needs
One of the best things about the Vanilla Flower is how well it plays with others in mixed planters and pots. Standard high-quality potting soil works just fine. The golden rule, though, is to avoid “wet feet” at all costs. To keep the roots happy, add a thin layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom of your pot for drainage and make sure your soil stays nice and airy.
Easy-Going Care Tips
When it comes to general maintenance, the Vanilla Flower isn’t very demanding. The trick is finding that “Goldilocks” zone with watering: you don’t want the soil soaking wet, but you definitely don’t want it to bone dry, either. I recommend a “low and slow” approach—water regularly but gently. As for food, these plants are pretty light eaters. A little bit of standard liquid fertilizer once a month is plenty, and honestly, you can usually get away with using just half the dosage recommended on the bottle.
Getting Through the Winter
As I mentioned, the Vanilla Flower is not cold-hardy. If you want to see those purple blooms again next year, you’ll need to bring them inside once the thermometer starts dipping toward 40°F (5°C) in the fall. To successfully overwinter your plants, look for a room that is:
- Cool
- Bright (lots of natural light)
- Frost-free
