Heliotrope (Heliotropium)

The heliotrope It is a very interesting plant that produces flowers with a high ornamental value capable of making anyone happy. In addition, it attracts beneficial insects from the garden and orchard, such as bees, butterflies or wasps, so it can be really useful if you intend for your other plant beings to bear fruit and give seeds.

With a minimum of care they can have a healthy specimen, so much so that you will want to contemplate it daily. Did we find out?

Origin and characteristics

Heliotrope is a term that refers to the genus of annual or perennial herbs, or shrubs, called Heliotropium. Its name comes from the Greek and means “return to the Sun” (Helios translates to sun, and tropein how to return). This refers to the movement he makes looking at the star king.

There are a total of 150 accepted species, although there are almost 500 that are still taxonomically unresolved. All of them are native to temperate regions, mainly Europe, and they are characterized by ovate to elliptical leaves, and inflorescences in helical cymes or solitary flowers that arise from leafy stems in spring or summer. The fruits are dry, separated into 2 or 4 walnuts when ripe.

They can reach a height of between 30 to 2 meters.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a heliotrope in your garden or patio, we recommend providing it with the following care:

Location

It is important that it is outside, in full sunsince otherwise its flowers will not open or “move” with the star king.

Earth

Since it can be both in pot and in soil, let’s see what type of soil you need:

• Flower pot: universal growing medium (you can get it here!) mixed with 30% perlite (you can buy it here!).
• the garden: it is indifferent, but it grows better in those who have good drainage.

Irrigation

It has to be watered 3-4 times a week during the summer and every 5-6 days the rest of the year. You preferably use rainwater or without too much lime. In case you can’t get it, you can fill a bucket with tap water and let it sit overnight. The next day you would only have to take the water from the upper half of the container.

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Throughout the growing season (spring to early fall) A specific fertilizer for flowering plants or with organic fertilizers must be paid such as guano. Remember to use a liquid one if you are going to have it in a pot so that the sewer system the water is not hindered.

Multiplication

By seeds in spring following this simple step by step:

1. The first thing you have to do is fill a seedling tray (you can get it here!) with universal growing substrate.
2. Then water so that the substrate is well moistened.
3. Then, place a maximum of 2 seeds in each socket, and cover them with a little substrate.
4. Then water again, this time with a sprayer.
5. Finally, place the seedling in a tray without holes, outside, in full sun.

Water every 2-3 days, directing the water to the tray that does not have holes. Thus, the seeds will germinate in 6 or 7 days at most.

Rusticity

It will depend on the species, but in general it resists up to -4ºC.

What uses is it given?

Ornamental

The heliotrope it is a very decorative plantwhich can be had in any sunny corner, either in a pot or in the garden. As we have seen, with a minimum of care you can have it perfect, so showing off it will not be complicated at all .

Medicinal

It is without a doubt the most popular use. It serves to treat:

• Diarrhea
• Diabetes
• Urticaria
• Eczema
• Scabies
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Red eyes
• Boils
• Conjunctivitis
• Skin ulcers
• Gum infection

The method of use is as follows:

• Skin problems: the leaves are crushed and used as a poultice.
• Internal problems: in case of diarrhea, bronchitis, etc. infusions are made with leaves.
• Eye problems: leaves of the Indian heliotrope (Heliotrope indica), then the resulting liquid is allowed to cool and is finally used as eye drops.

Other uses

• Perfumery: the aroma of these plants is very pleasant. In addition, it is said to help fight fatigue.
• Homeopathy– Used to cleanse the blood and lymphatic systems.
• Culinary: very occasionally (once a month, for example) you can make salads with small amounts of leaves.

What are the side effects?

Heliotrope contains alkaloids that, if consumed in large doses or regularly, they could damage the liver. For this reason it is very important to consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This plant is very interesting, don’t you think? It is highly recommended to have in the gardens or as a centerpiece. In addition, it can be used as a medicinal as long as it is not consumed in excess.

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