Marino™ Blue Heliotrope Plant

Marino™ Blue Heliotrope Plants bear large clusters of fragrant flowers that produce a truly beautiful display. Beauty has a nice upright habit and is very easy to grow. They grow best in full to part sun locations with well drained soils. Heliotrope is drought and heat tolerant and deer tend to overlook them in the garden.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
• - Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry
• - Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
• - Alternatively, apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
• - Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming
• - Trim back by one-third mid-season to rejuvenate if plants become leggy
• - Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves promptly

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers
• - Blooms from late spring through fall
• - Flowers have a sweet, vanilla-like scent

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers 6+ hours of sunlight
• - In hot climates, some early afternoon shade can be beneficial

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Thrives in temperatures between 60-80°F
• - Can tolerate brief periods of heat if well-watered
• - Not frost-hardy

Companion Plants for Heliotrope:

• - Geraniums: Offers complementary colors and similar growing conditions
• - Petunias: Provides a variety of colors and a trailing habit for containers
• - Lobelia: Adds contrasting blue flowers and a compact growth habit
• - Lantana: Offers multicolored flower clusters and heat tolerance
• - Verbena: Provides low-growing flowers in complementary colors