View Larger Heliotrope

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    A fragrant addition to your summer border, this sturdy plant prefers well-drained soil and afternoon shade in the southern garden.

    Latin Name

    Heliotropium arborescens


    Family

    Boraginaceae


    Type of Plant

    Annuals Annuals

    Bloom Season

    August - October


    Seasons

    Summer Summer
    Fall Fall

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 2'
    Max spread Max Spread: 1.5'

    Uses

  • Annual

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Tolerances

  • Deer

  • Toxicity

    Do not ingest Do not ingest
    Harmful to pets Harmful to pets

    Colors


    Native Range

    Peru


    History

    Jefferson said of this plant, "To be sowed in spring. A delicious flower, but I suspect it must be planted in boxes and kept in the house in winter. The smell rewards the care."


    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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