Cherry pie plant, also known as heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), is a fragrant, old-fashioned annual prized for its vanilla-cherry-pie scent and clusters of deep purple or violet flowers. It is not a food crop, but a garden ornamental that earns its name from the dessert-like aroma of its blooms. This article covers how to grow heliotrope successfully, including planting, care, and common problems, so you can enjoy its perfume and color in beds, borders, or containers.
Ingredients
- 1 cherry pie plant (heliotrope) seedling or small potted plant
- 1–2 gallons (3.8–7.6 L) well-draining potting mix or garden soil amended with compost
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10)
- Water (as needed)
- Optional: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) organic mulch (straw or bark)
Instructions
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch. Ensure the soil drains well; heliotrope does not tolerate soggy roots.
- If planting in the ground, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. If planting in a container, choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with fresh potting mix.
- Gently remove the heliotrope from its nursery pot. Loosen any circling roots with your fingers to encourage outward growth.
- Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and press down lightly to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base (not touching the stem) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Feed with a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting time, then switch to a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–3 weeks during the growing season to promote continuous blooms.
- Pinch back the growing tips when the plant is about 6 inches (15 cm) tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
- Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to extend blooming from summer into fall.
- If you live in a frost-free zone (USDA zones 10–11), you can grow heliotrope as a perennial. In colder zones, treat it as an annual or overwinter it indoors by cutting it back and bringing it inside before the first frost.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you can’t find heliotrope, try Heliotropium amplexicaule (blue heliotrope) or a scented geranium for a similar fragrance, though the scent will differ.
- Storage: Heliotrope is not edible, so it is not stored for consumption. For overwintering, cut the plant back to 6 inches (15 cm), pot it up, and keep it in a bright, cool room (50–60°F / 10–15°C) with reduced watering.
- Common mistakes: Overwatering is the most frequent issue, leading to root rot. Also, avoid planting in heavy clay without amending it. Pinching is often skipped, resulting in leggy, sparse plants.
- Pest alert: Watch for whiteflies and spider mites, especially on indoor overwintered plants. Spray with insecticidal soap if needed.
Serving Suggestions
While heliotrope is not a food, it serves as a stunning visual anchor in garden beds, window boxes, or hanging baskets. Pair it with silver-leaved plants like dusty miller, or with white or pink annuals for contrast. Its fragrance is most noticeable in the evening, so place it near a patio or open window to enjoy the scent. You can also cut a few flowering stems for a fragrant bouquet, but be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets.
Variations
Heliotrope comes in several cultivars that offer different heights and flower colors. ‘Marine’ is a compact, deep-purple variety that reaches about 18 inches (45 cm) tall, ideal for containers. ‘Alba’ produces white flowers with a similar scent. ‘Mini Marine’ stays shorter (12 inches / 30 cm) and works well as an edging plant. For a trailing effect, try ‘Fragrant Delight’, which has a more cascading habit and is perfect for hanging baskets.
Storage and Reheating
This is a garden plant, not a cooked dish, so storage and reheating instructions do not apply. For overwintering, cut the plant back to about 6 inches (15 cm) in early fall, pot it in fresh soil, and bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Place it in a bright spot with indirect light, water sparingly (only when the soil is dry to the touch), and resume normal watering and feeding in spring when new growth appears. Alternatively, you can take stem cuttings in late summer and root them in water or moist potting mix to grow new plants for next season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cherry pie plant heliotrope edible?
No, all parts of the heliotrope plant are toxic if ingested. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can harm the liver. Do not eat it, and keep it away from pets and children.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Check that the soil is not soggy and that the pot has drainage holes. If the plant is in a container, repot it with fresh, well-draining mix. Yellowing can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency, so feed with a balanced fertilizer if the soil is dry and healthy.
How do I get more blooms?
Heliotrope needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and regular deadheading. Pinch back the tips in early growth to encourage bushier branching, and feed every 2–3 weeks with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (like a 10-20-10) to promote flowering.
Can I grow heliotrope indoors?
Yes, but it needs bright, indirect light and high humidity. Place it near a south-facing window and mist the leaves regularly. Indoor plants may become leggy, so pinch them back often. Overwintering indoors is common in cold climates, but expect reduced flowering during the darker months.
Why does my plant have no scent?
The fragrance is strongest in the evening and on warm days. Some cultivars are less fragrant than others. Also, if the plant is stressed (too dry, too wet, or not enough light), it may produce fewer aromatic oils. Ensure optimal growing conditions and try a known fragrant variety like ‘Marine’.
Is heliotrope a perennial?
In USDA zones 10–11, it is a tender perennial and can live for several years. In cooler zones, it is grown as an annual, but you can overwinter it indoors or take cuttings to keep it going year after year.
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