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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Boraginaceae (Borages) |
| Origin: Peru (South America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Light Lavender |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| Fragrant Flowers: Yes |
| Height: 4-8 feet |
| Width: 3-5 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Heliotropium sp. 'Ecuador' (Ecuadorian Heliotrope) - A large upright shrub to 7 feet tall or more by 3 to 4 feet wide with 3 to 4 inch long bright green pleated leaves and slightly fragrant pure white flowers in coiled terminal clusters called scorpiod cymes that are typical of the Borage family. These flowers appear off and on nearly year round, even through the winter months, that are followed by very showy white berries with both flowers and berries often on display at the same time. Plant in full sun to light shade and irrigate regularly to occasionally. This plant is perfectly hardy in coastal southern California with light damage as temperatures dip down into the high 20s° F. It is an nice addition to the garden and, while not having as strong a scent as Heliotropium arborescens, this is possibly a good thing as it is not such an overpowering aroma. It is als certainly is attractive to bees. This plant from seed collected by John Bleck from Ecuador from near the Buenaventura Reserve at around 2,500 feet along the west slope of the Andes in southwestern Ecuador. In Arboles y arbustos del los Andes del Ecuador (Trees and shrubs of the Andes of Ecuador) listing on the eFlora website it is noted that there are 200 species of Heliotropium in the tropical region with 5 species in the Ecuadorian Andes, but for several we have not been able to find a good description, and so are uncertain it any of those species listed quite match up with this plant.
This information about Heliotropium sp. 'Ecuador' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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