Heliotropium arborescens
Heliotrope
This plant attracts the following butterflies:
Brown Argus, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell
Images:
Brown Argus. 30 August 2000.
Brown Argus. 30 August 2000.
notes:
I recorded a Small Tortoiseshell on a Heliotrope on July 12 and a Gatekeeper on July 28 2001. It attracted a Brown Argus in 2000. I grew it in 1999 and it attracted several species.
I have not yet discovered the secret of keeping these plants looking healthy. My plants have often had brown edges to the leaves and so had a whole border full of them at a theme park. However, I noticed that the plants in the border at Powis Castle in Wales during August 2001, were in perfect condition.
I've read that Heliotropes require a minimum of 7ºC, so it may be that cold is the cause of the browning.
Reference Section
Plant Type: tender perennial, grown as half-hardy annual
Full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Flowers in July-August
Height: 30-75cm
Spread: 30-45cm