It spreads the magic of flowers from South America and wraps itself in an enticing scent of vanilla, wine gum, cinnamon or fruity soda. The vanilla flower is considered an insider tip for the summer balcony and scented garden, thanks to its evergreen ornamental leaves and lavish abundance of flowers. These answers to frequently asked questions reveal why the exotic ornamental tree is far too valuable for annual cultivation and how overwintering works.

Its beguiling scent gave the vanilla flower its name

Plant vanilla flower correctly

Vanilla flowers that are bought ready-made or grown on the windowsill can be planted in mid-May. As a substrate, we recommend high-quality compost-based potting soil. Please add a handful of lava granules (€13.99) or perlite (€37.51) for best permeability. Some potsherds above the water drain act as protection against waterlogging. Take a young heliotrope from the nursery pot and plant it deep in the center so that the soil reaches the lower pair of leaves. Press the substrate down with your hands so that no air pockets impede rooting. In daily practice, a 2-3 cm high pouring rim has proven itself. Finish the planting process with a generous sip of water.
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care tips

Its status as a rarity for the summer fragrance garden certainly does not result from modest care requirements. In view of the uncomplicated care program, it is very surprising that the heliotrope is so rarely found in private ornamental gardens.

  • Water regularly when the substrate has dried 1-2 cm deep
  • Apply a liquid fertilizer weekly from April to October
  • Fertilize every 3 weeks from November to March
  • Rinse faded flowers as soon as possible
  • Slight pruning in autumn before moving to winter quarters

In a bright location at temperatures of 10-18 degrees Celsius, water the vanilla flower only a little. If you see any buds or blossoms, snap them out with your fingers by February. At the end of winter, cut back the wood to 2 buds or a height of 10-12 cm.
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Which location is suitable?

A heliotrope particularly likes a sunny, warm and wind-protected location. Please choose a location that offers your flower scent protection from the blazing midday sun. Thus, the vanilla flower has nothing against a semi-shady place where it can enjoy the mild morning and evening sun.
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What soil does the plant need?

A high-quality potting soil that has been enriched with lava granules, perlite or pumice has proven itself for pot culture. If you prefer annual cultivation in beds for a heliotrope, a nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil comes into consideration.

When is flowering time?

The heliotrope inspires with a flowering period from May to September. As long as the temperatures are well above 10 degrees Celsius, the exotic ornamental tree with blue or white osmanthus flowers transforms the balcony into a pleasant oasis of well-being. If you regularly cut back the withered umbels of flowers together with the stalk, the next buds will find their way into the sunlight.

Properly cut the vanilla flower

The freshly sharpened, disinfected pruner is one of the most important utensils in the professional care of heliotrope varieties. We have put together a list for you here on which occasions you should cut the vanilla flower:

  • At a growth height of 8-10 cm, they pinch off for bushy branching
  • Cut off wilted flowers, including the stalk, down to the nearest bud
  • Moderate pruning before storage in fall
  • Pinch off buds and blossoms consistently from November to February

The ornamental tree gets its main cut after the winter. In March, you should ideally shorten all branches to a height of 10 cm. Please make sure that at least 2 buds remain on a shoot from which the heliotrope will sprout again.

Water vanilla flower

Adequate water supply is one of the fundamental care measures of a Heliotropium arborescens. In a sun-drenched, warm location, daily watering may be necessary, especially during the summer. To avoid waterlogging, please check with your thumb whether the upper 1-2 cm of the substrate has dried.

Fertilize vanilla flower properly

Spoil your heliotrope with weekly doses of liquid fertilizer from April through October. The flowering and aromatic plant depends on this generous supply of nutrients so that their energy reserves do not run out prematurely. When you move into the winter quarters, reduce the dosage to an interval of 3 weeks between November and March.

hibernate

In autumn, cut back the withered heliotrope and move the plant to winter quarters. At temperatures between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, place the vanilla flower in a light location. Water occasionally to keep the root ball from drying out. Since the South American beauty does not completely rest, continue to fertilize with a liquid preparation every 3 weeks. Pinch out buds and blossoms with your fingers from November to February. In March, cut back your floral winter guest again to make room for fresh shoots.
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Propagating Vanilla Flower

For vegetative, varietal propagation, please cut non-blooming, semi-lignified top cuttings in early summer. Defoliated in the lower part and two-thirds planted in poor growth substrate, rooting progresses quickly. A plastic bag pulled over the top additionally accelerates the process. Please make sure that the substrate is constantly moist and do not administer any fertilizer.

Alternatively, sow the seeds in small pots in February/March. Sieve the seed up to a depth of 0.5 cm with sand or vermiculite. Germination takes 10-15 days at a partially shaded window seat at 18-22 degrees Celsius.

Is vanilla flower poisonous?

The vanilla flower is permeated by a poisonous alkaloid that mainly damages the liver. Therefore, a heliotrope is not suitable for cultivation in the family garden. The danger is too great that the seductive, sweet scent will tempt small children to snack, with fatal consequences for their health. If curious pets are romping around on the balcony, the ornamental wood should also not be within reach.
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Beautiful varieties

  • Marine: Compact vanilla flower that enchants with sky blue flowers; ideal for the bucket; Growth height 30-40 cm
  • Alba: White flowering majestic heliotrope cultivar revered as 'The Queen' in Victorian times; Growth height 80-100 cm
  • Sally Reath: Enchanting floral scent for the summer balcony with dark purple flowers; Growth height 80-100 cm
  • Iowa: Innovative breeding with amethyst-colored umbels and a sweet scent of wine gum; Growth height 60-80 cm
  • Schloss Ahrensburg: Abundantly branching ornamental shrub with medium-blue, aromatic osmanthus flowers; Growth height 30-40 cm
  • Vanilla Magic: Premium variety with violet flowers that awakens the desire for vanilla pudding with its scent; 30-40cm

Category:

Indoor plants