The Heliotrope—often called the “Cherry Pie plant” or Vanilla Flower—is a total fan favorite for gardens and balconies alike. When you find that perfect sweet spot for it, this plant really shows off, rewarding you with stunning, deep purple blooms and a nostalgic, vanilla-like fragrance that’s hard to miss.
Ways to Grow Your Heliotrope
One of the best things about the Heliotrope is how versatile it is. It looks great just about anywhere, but here are the most popular ways to grow it:
- As a standout focal point in your garden beds.
- As a lush container plant on the balcony or patio.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Heliotropes are true sun-seekers! To keep them happy, you’ll want to pick a location that is warm and gets plenty of direct sunlight. However, they can be a bit delicate when it comes to the elements, so try to find a spot that’s sheltered from heavy downpours, strong winds, or drafty corridors.
If you’re growing yours in pots, drainage is key. These plants hate “wet feet,” so make sure your container has drainage holes and add a layer of expanded clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom to keep the water moving.
When to Plant
Technically, you can pot up a Heliotrope any time of year as long as you have a plan for overwintering it indoors. However, the absolute best time to plant—whether you’re going into the ground or a container—is in the spring. This gives the plant plenty of time to establish a strong root system and settle in before the peak growing season.
Spacing and Support
When you’re setting your Heliotrope into the soil, give it some breathing room. You’ll want to leave at least 8 inches (20 cm) between it and any neighboring plants. This ensures it has enough space to branch out and flourish without competing for air or light.
Since some varieties can reach heights of up to 30 inches (80 cm), it’s a smart move to provide a support stake. This helps the stems stay upright when those heavy, fragrant flower clusters start to weigh them down.
Transplanting and Winter Care
Keep in mind that the Heliotrope is not frost-hardy. If yours is planted directly in a garden bed, you’ll need to dig it up before the first frost hits and move it to a protected winter spot. Once spring rolls around and the ground warms up, you can move it back outside. For those growing in containers, it’s a good habit to repot them once a year into a slightly larger pot with fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil to keep them thriving.
