Heliotrope

Heliotrope 'Scentropia Blue.'

* Common name: Heliotrope

* Botanical name: Heliotropium arborescens

* What it is: An old-fashioned “Grandma annual” that gets umbrella-shaped flower clusters of deep purple or bluish-purple most of the summer. Some types have vanilla scent. ‘Fragrant Delight’ and ‘Mini Marine’ are good compact varieties.

* Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, depending on variety. 12 to 15 inches around.

* Where to use: Front foundations or along walks and patios where the mild fragrance can be appreciated. Also works well as a pot centerpiece.

* Care: Snip off the flower heads after they brown to keep new blooms coming and the plant looking clean. Fertilize every few weeks with a high-phosphorus flower fertilizer and keep the soil regularly moist. Pick off any diseased leaves. Don’t plant before mid-May… heliotrope like it warm and take a little while to get going early in the growing season.

* Great partner: Pink petunias, such as ‘Pink Wave,’ ‘Supertunia Mini Pastel Pink’ or ‘Surfinia Rose Vein.’