Perfumed heliotropes

I have grown the Perennial/semi perennial Heliotrope Chatsworth for several years now.....wouldn't be without it. The cherry pie plant is a wonderful scent around doorways, pathways, sitting areas or even in the ground.
However, a couple of other varieties I am trying this year are proving just as fragrant.
White Lady and White Queen in particular have a slightly different fragrance to add to the mix.
After rain, morning dew, etc., and the sun comes out then the fragrance begins to waft about.
Lovely folks....recommend a plant or two where you pass by

 

Hi @Verdun I assume you keep it out over winter in your gentle climate? I have tried keeping heliotrope in polytunnel before for winter, but lost it.

 

I've looked up heliotrope and it sounds exactly the kind of thing I'm after for a part of my garden. Chatsworth looks beautiful. However, on the RHS website it says that it needs to be kept at over 5 degrees. Not likely over winter in Scotland. I have a bit of a basic question here.... if I were to try growing it, should I plant it in the ground and wrap it in fleece for the winter, or grow it in a pot and put it in the greenhouse for the winter? I'm a bit unsure of what to do with half hardy plants, as I don't know whether they should all be kept in pots for easy moving so the roots are not disturbed.

On a totally unrelated note, I thought you might have nipped up to Scotland, Verdun. Went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festval today, and there was a man in the audience who said his name was Verdun.

 

Difficult judgement call CarolineL.....it is the damp over winter not the cold here. So, some under cover and some kept outside.....if mild during winter the odd flowers will appear.
Do you take cuttings? If kept in perlite mix and frost free over winter big new plants will result
Irmemac, yep, that was me.....handsome geezer right?
I think if kept just above freezing heliotrope will be fine where you are. Cut roots back, pot up and trim back foliage sometime in September. Adding perlite to the planting mix and keeping on the dry side should ensure plants survive to regrow in spring. No, I wouldnt fleece if in the open ground unless you could cloche it, maybe a little fleece under the cloche. Cuttings too though

 

Thank you for the excellent advice (as always). I will try to get my hands on one in the spring and follow your advice. It sounds like a lovely shrub, and I am a sucker for both evergreens and strong scents.

Well, certainly a geezer! My next question is, if you are a retired pilot, when did you find time to keep the garden in shape?

 

Retired pilot? Only in my dreams Irmemac :rasp:

 

Oh, I am very disappointed you are not one and the same. I imagined you dusting your crops from your aeroplane

 

Hey Shiney......how did you get that pic of me and my brothers?