Heliotropium arboreum is a species of flowering plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is native to tropical Asia including southern China, Madagascar, northern Australia, and most of the atolls and high islands of Micronesia and Polynesia. Common names include velvetleaf soldierbush, tree heliotrope, veloutier, and octopus bush. It is a shrub or small tree typical of littoral zones reaching a height of 3.6 m (12 ft), with a spread of about 5 m (16 ft).
Tree-heliotrope has good resistance to disease and is generally unlikely to develop illnesses. As for care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Tree-heliotrope is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not require extensive experience in plant care.
How to keep Tournefortia Argentea.
Light
Tree-heliotrope does best with plentiful sunlight for optimal growth, reflecting the bright conditions of its native habitat. Because it is not shade-tolerant, too much sun is not harmful, but too little light can limit growth by impeding proper photosynthesis and compromising the plant's health.
Temperature
Tree-heliotrope is native to areas with temperatures between 68 and 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It grows best in these warm conditions. During cooler seasons, adjusting indoor heating to replicate these temperatures can help support the tree-heliotrope's health.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Tree-heliotrope is in early spring as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches and encourages blooms that are larger, more vivid, and longer-lasting. It helps transfer nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Tournefortia
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 3.66 m
- Mature Spread
- 4.88 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Purple, Lavender
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Mozambique, Japan, Vanuatu, Philippines, Kenya, Australia, Fiji, Tanzania, China
Other names.
