Heliotropium arborescens, commonly known as Garden Heliotrope, is an evergreen perennial herb originally from Peru in South America, particularly the Andean region. It typically grows to a height and width of 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), presenting as a bushy, short-lived shrub. The plant is adorned with dense clusters of bright purple flowers that bloom in the summer months. These flowers are highly fragrant, emitting an intense, vanilla-like scent that is quite alluring. The foliage is dark green, which contrasts nicely with the vibrant flowers.

Garden Heliotrope is valued for its aromatic flowers and is often used in borders, fragrant gardens, and as a container plant. It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11, but in zones 9 and colder, it requires winter protection or must be brought indoors. As a tender perennial, it can also be grown as a half-hardy annual in cooler climates. For propagation, softwood cuttings can be taken in summer. Garden Heliotrope thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to whiteflies and root rot if overwatered. It is also toxic if ingested, so care should be taken if planting in areas accessible to pets or children.CC BY-SA 4.0