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Description
Heliotropium Arborescens Chatsworth, also known as the Cherry Pie plant, is a highly fragrant perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to Peru and is widely used as a decorative plant in gardens and parks due to its beautiful purple flowers and sweet fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Heliotropium |
Appearance
The Cherry Pie plant is a bushy plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has dark green, wrinkled leaves that are about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. The plant produces clusters of small, deep purple flowers that bloom from early summer until the first frost. The flowers have a sweet vanilla fragrance that attracts butterflies and bees.
Care Guide
Heliotropium Arborescens Chatsworth is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
Water
The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization
Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Soil
The plant prefers loamy, well-draining soil. If the soil is too heavy, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce its bloom.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cherry Pie plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant healthy and well-watered. If infested, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Habitat
The Cherry Pie plant is native to Peru and prefers warm, tropical climates. It can be grown in gardens and containers in warm regions around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Heliotropium Arborescens Chatsworth indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow it indoors as long as it gets enough sunlight and water.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: You should fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate the plant?
A: You can propagate the plant by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer.
Q: Can I grow the plant in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow it in a container as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Related Plants
- Heliotropium Peruvianum
- Heliotropium Indicum
- Heliotropium Curassavicum
References
- “Heliotropium arborescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279484&isprofile=1&basic=heliotropium>
- “Heliotropium arborescens.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 29 July 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/20804/heliotropium-arborescens/details>
- “Heliotropium arborescens.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 29 July 2021. <http://pza.sanbi.org/heliotropium-arborescens>
