2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Heliotrope Peruvian (lat. Heliotropium peruvianum) - a representative of the genus Heliotrope of the Borage family. The homeland of the plant is considered to be South America. The species takes an active part in breeding, to date, many interesting varieties have been obtained on its basis, which can please with a pleasant aroma that flutters over long distances.
Characteristics of culture
Peruvian heliotrope is represented by perennial herbaceous plants grown in Russia as annuals. In the process of growth, they form sprawling bushes, endowed with numerous branches. The plants do not exceed 60 cm in height. They are characterized by obovate, pubescent, petiolate, wrinkled foliage of a rich green color. The flowers of the Peruvian heliotrope are small, blue or purple, fragrant, collected in shields, which reach 15 cm in diameter.
Flowering is active, long, begins in early-mid June and ends with the arrival of autumn frosts. It is worth noting that when grown on the territory of Russia, especially in the middle lane, the seeds do not have time to ripen. In addition, seed propagation does not always produce fragrant flowers. This aspect is due to the fact that breeders, when breeding new varieties of the crop in question, focus on decorative properties.
Common varieties
There are a lot of varieties of heliotrope Peruvian. For example, Dwarf Marine is famous for its dwarf growth and bright blue flowers. No less attractive is the variety referred to as Marine Blue. It is slightly taller than the previous representative and has purple flowers that are endowed with a cherry scent. The Iowa variety also boasts compact forms. It has characteristic green foliage and purple corymbose inflorescences.
It should be noted the white-flowered variety Alba. It amazes with an incredibly pleasant aroma reminiscent of the smell of sweet vanilla. White Lady is also very popular. It is characterized by compact bushes topped with pinkish buds, which change color to white as they unfold. The Lord Roberts variety pleases gardeners and flower growers with very delicate blue flowers with a purple undertone. The same characteristics are inherent in the Regal Dwarf variety.
Growing features
Peruvian heliotrope, like other representatives of the genus, belongs to the category of light-loving plants. In addition, it is picky about climatic conditions. It does not tolerate cold weather and strong winds, therefore it is recommended to plant it in well-lit and protected areas. Lowlands with stagnant water and cold air are not suitable for growing it. Soils, in turn, are preferable loose, light, well-permeable, moderately moist, fertile. On dry, poor and heavy soils, the culture feels defective, almost does not bloom, develops poorly and is often affected by diseases and pests.
Caring for heliotrope Peruvian is relatively simple. The main thing is to provide him with timely and regular watering, especially when it comes to young plants. Also, for active growth, systematic feeding is required. For these purposes, it is recommended to use full complex fertilizers, which should be applied, starting with the emergence of seedlings and ending with massive flowering at intervals of two weeks. However, if the soil lacks nutrients or the plants themselves are lagging behind in growth, you need to fertilize more often - every 7-10 days.
Usage
Heliotrope Peruvian is a highly decorative plant. It is suitable for decorating borders and flower beds. It also looks good in garden containers. They can safely decorate balconies, the entrance to the courtyard, gazebos and other architectural structures. Salvia, petunia and begonia can act as allies to culture. Such a tandem will give the garden a special flavor.
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