The ‘Eclipse Plant’ (Heliotropium arborescens) is a tender perennial, often grown as a summer annual in cooler climates. It is cherished for its distinctive dark foliage and delightful vanilla-like scent, enhancing many garden spaces. This plant offers both visual beauty and aromatic qualities.
Key Characteristics
The ‘Eclipse Plant’ is distinguished by its dark, almost black, foliage, which strikingly contrasts its vibrant blooms. These ovate leaves are often prominently veined and can exhibit subtle purple highlights. Growing as a bushy, mounding shrub, Heliotropium arborescens typically reaches 12 to 18 inches when grown as an annual. In its native habitats of Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, it can grow up to 6 feet tall.
The plant produces dense clusters of small, fragrant flowers from summer into fall. While ‘Eclipse’ cultivars are known for dark purple flowers, the species Heliotropium arborescens can have blooms in shades of violet, purple, blue, or white. These flower clusters are notable for their intense, sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, sometimes described as reminiscent of cherry pie.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
The ‘Eclipse Plant’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, receiving at least six hours of sun daily for optimal growth and bloom production. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can protect foliage and flowers from intense sun, preventing scorching. A location offering morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal. Insufficient light can lead to fewer blooms and less vibrant foliage color.
Water
Consistent moisture is important for the ‘Eclipse Plant’, as it does not tolerate drought. Soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, as excessive wetness can lead to root rot. Container plants require more frequent watering than those in garden beds due to faster soil drying. Deep watering encourages strong root systems.
Soil
Heliotrope prefers rich, loamy soil that drains well while retaining some moisture. An ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (6.5-7.5). Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, improves soil fertility and drainage. Heavy clay soils are not suitable and should be amended.
Temperature and Humidity
The ‘Eclipse Plant’ prefers warm daytime temperatures (60°F-80°F) with cooler nights. It is sensitive to cold and not frost-hardy; growth ceases below 50°F, and damage occurs below 40°F. While it appreciates humidity, too much humidity with poor air circulation can lead to powdery mildew. Ensuring good airflow helps mitigate issues.
Fertilizer
Heliotrope is a moderate to heavy feeder, benefiting from regular fertilization throughout its growing season. For garden beds, a monthly application of balanced fertilizer is sufficient. Container plants may require feeding every two to four weeks as nutrients leach out more quickly. A fertilizer with higher phosphorus can promote abundant blooming.
Pruning
Regular pruning and deadheading encourage continuous blooming and maintain a bushy, compact form. Removing spent flowers prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production, redirecting it towards new blooms. Pinching back stem tips in early spring promotes more lateral branching and denser growth. Old, yellowing, or damaged leaves should also be removed.
Planting and Placement
Plant ‘Eclipse Plants’ outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in spring, when soil temperatures have warmed. Choose a site with full sun or morning sun with protection from intense afternoon heat in warmer regions. The site should feature fertile, well-draining soil, ideally amended with compost.
When planting in garden beds, space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for adequate air circulation and growth, preventing overcrowding. Heliotropes also perform well in containers, offering flexibility for placement and the ability to move plants indoors before cold weather.
The ‘Eclipse Plant’ integrates into various garden designs for borders, mixed beds, or as an accent in containers. Its dark foliage and fragrant blooms pair well with companion plants sharing similar light and moisture preferences. Effective companions include petunias, marigolds, geraniums, African daisy, or lantana. These combinations create visually appealing displays and attract beneficial pollinators.
Common Problems and Solutions
‘Eclipse Plant’ growers may encounter common issues. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs can affect foliage, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or sticky residue. A strong spray of water can dislodge many pests; for persistent infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can affect heliotropes. Powdery mildew appears as a white coating on leaves, often due to high humidity and poor air circulation. Root rot, characterized by mushy, discolored roots and wilting foliage, results from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensuring adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent these issues. A suitable fungicide may be necessary for powdery mildew, while addressing drainage is crucial for root rot.
Environmental factors can lead to plant distress. Yellowing leaves indicate problems like nutrient deficiencies, over or underwatering, or pest infestations. A lack of essential nutrients (magnesium, iron, nitrogen) can cause discoloration, as can inconsistent moisture. Providing balanced fertilizer and adjusting watering practices can resolve these symptoms.
A lack of blooms is often tied to insufficient light. Without adequate light, the plant prioritizes foliage growth over flowering. Nutrient deficiencies, especially a lack of phosphorus, can also hinder bloom production. Ensuring the plant receives sufficient light and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer encourages more prolific flowering.
Propagation
Propagating the ‘Eclipse Plant’ is a straightforward process, primarily through stem cuttings. This method creates new plants genetically identical to the parent, retaining desired foliage color and fragrance. Taking cuttings in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing, yields the best results.
To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems four to six inches long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, then remove leaves from the bottom half. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone promotes faster, more successful root development. Plant cuttings into a moist, well-draining potting medium. Maintain consistent moisture and place pots in bright, indirect light until roots establish within a few weeks.