For an exotic beauty straight from the Peruvian Andes, the Heliotrope (often called the Cherry Pie plant for its sweet scent) is actually surprisingly low-maintenance. That being said, if you want those lush purple blooms to really thrive, you’ll need to give it a little TLC—especially if you’re hoping to keep it around for more than just one season.
Finding the Perfect Spot
The key to a happy Heliotrope starts with the right location. These plants absolutely love the sun! If you’re planning on keeping yours on a balcony, a south-facing spot is your best bet. They can handle partial shade, too, but they won’t be quite as showy. Just make sure the soil drains well; like many garden favorites, they really hate having “wet feet” (standing water).
Watering and Feeding
While they don’t like to sit in a puddle, Heliotropes do need consistent moisture. The trick is to water them moderately but regularly—don’t let the soil bone dry out. When it comes to feeding, they’re actually pretty easy to please. A little bit of liquid fertilizer once a month is usually plenty. Pro tip: Use about half the dosage recommended on the bottle; they don’t need a heavy hand with the nutrients.
Pruning and Maintenance
Good news for low-maintenance gardeners: you don’t really need to prune these plants to keep them in shape. However, you should definitely “deadhead” (remove) faded flowers as soon as they wilt. This encourages the plant to keep pumping out new blooms. Also, if you have young plants, pinching off the tips of the stems will help them grow into a much fuller, bushier shape.
Overwintering Your Heliotrope
Keep in mind that the Heliotrope is not frost-hardy. If you want to enjoy your plant for years to come, you’ll need to bring it indoors once the weather turns chilly. As soon as temperatures dip below 40°F (5°C), it’s time to move it inside. For a successful winter nap, your plant needs a spot that is:
- Cool
- Frost-free
- Bright and sunny
