Velvetleaf Soldierbush

Heliotropium arboreum

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Boraginaceae
Genus:
Heliotropium
Species:
Heliotropium arboreum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
white

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, alkaline, well-drained soil
pH:
7.5 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid, coastal regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cuttings must have several shoot buds and be cut to 15 cm lengths. All mature leaves are removed except the terminal leaves. Leaf buds in the axils of leaves are not removed. Cuttings are directly stuck into containers filled with moistened medium. No rooting hormones are used.

Establishment: Collect softwood stem cuttings when the leaves have expanded and the stems are firm. During collection, stem cuttings need to be kept moist and cool, and must be treated immediately after collection. Chen is a common coastal strand plant found throughout Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, tropical Australia and the Indian ocean region. It is introduced in Hawaii.

Source: npn.rngr.net