DESCRIPTION: A much improved form of 'Marine' Heliotrope. An excellent container plant known for its lovely scent – cherry pie crossed with vanilla. Looks effective planted in summer containers where its purple flower colour and scent can be enjoyed at close quarters on a patio or terrace. 

BOTANICAL NAME: Heliotropium arborescens 'Midnight Sky'
OTHER NAMES: Cherry Pie Plant
AVERAGE MATURE HEIGHT: 30 cm
AVERAGE MATURE SPREAD: 30 cm
SUN EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade
FLOWER COLOUR: Purple
FLOWERING TIME: Summer
FOLIAGE COLOUR: Light green
COLD HARDINESS: Annual
WATER NEEDS: Average
OTHER FEATURES: Fragrant, Bee Friendly, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Resistant

Ornamental Features

Marine Heliotrope has masses of beautiful clusters of fragrant deep purple flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its textured pointy leaves remain light green in colour throughout the season. 

Landscape Attributes

Midnight Sky Heliotrope is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep. Trim off the flower heads after they fade and die to encourage more blooms late into the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Midnight Sky Heliotrope is recommended for the following landscape applications:

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting
• Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Midnight Sky Heliotrope will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 15 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. This annual will live outdoors for one full growing season. 

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. 

Midnight Sky Heliotrope is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.