FlowerHeliotrope
Marine Heliotrope
Marine
Marine Heliotrope is a fragrant flowering annual that brings sophisticated charm and reliable blooms to summer and fall gardens. Growing just 18 inches tall and wide, this heirloom cultivar of Heliotropium arborescens produces delicate, long-lasting flowers from seed to bloom in 112 to 140 days. Hardy in zone 9 and remarkably disease-resistant compared to other seasonal favorites, it thrives in full sun with consistent moisture and rewards gardeners with both visual beauty and aromatic presence suitable for fresh-cut arrangements.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/heliotrope-seeds-dwarf-marine)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
9-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Preferred Temp65-75°F
Growth Stats
18 in
Height
18 in
Width
PeriodPerennial
TypeBush
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
9-9
Size
18in H x 18in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Marine Heliotrope excels where other seasonal ornamentals struggle, offering exceptional disease resistance and mildew tolerance that make it more reliable than many companions. The flowers are fragrant and delicate yet surprisingly hardy, blooming prolifically from early summer through fall while deer leave it untouched. Its compact 18-inch mounding form and ability to thrive in containers or garden beds, combined with its strong attraction to pollinators, makes it a dual-purpose choice for both beauty and ecological benefit.
Common Uses
Marine Heliotrope is grown primarily as an ornamental annual for garden displays and fresh-cut flower arrangements. Its fragrant blooms and long flowering season from summer into fall make it valued for adding seasonal perfume to both outdoor garden spaces and indoor bouquets.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
N/a
Last Harvest
N/a
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Sow Marine Heliotrope indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date, keeping soil at 65 to 75°F for germination. Seeds sprout within 7 to 30 days at these temperatures. Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed.
Transplant Outdoors
Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them into the garden after the last frost date. Space plants 12 inches apart (or 1 inch apart for denser plantings). Water well at transplanting to establish roots.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost in zones 8 and warmer, once soil has warmed.
Pruning
As a compact mounding annual, Marine Heliotrope requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flower clusters encourages continued blooming throughout the summer and fall season and extends the flowering display.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Deer ResistantAttracts Pollinators
Soil pH Range
6 – 7.5
Bloom Time
Summer To Fall
Scientific Classification
Heliotropium L.
Family
Boraginaceae
Genus
Heliotropium