Heliotrope 'Fragrant Delight'
Best aromatic flower for enriching sunny garden beds.
Fragrant Delight' heliotrope will add a wonderful vanilla fragrance and texture to the summer garden, either in the ground near walkways or in container planters and hanging baskets. This variety's dark green, slightly hairy leaves are the perfect backdrop for the deep purple blooms, as well as other summer-blooming annuals. Heliotrope, nicknamed Cherry Pie in bygone days, has an upright, mounding profile and does well in sunny locations with a bit of shade late in the day. Remove spent flowers to encourage even more flower production.
$7.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Common Name
Cherry Pie, Heliotrope Fragrant Delight
/ Cherry Pie, Heliotrope Fragrant Delight
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a powerful, natural perfume for their outdoor spaces
- Homeowners desiring beautiful, long-lasting blooms with a classic garden charm
- Eco-conscious individuals wanting to support local wildlife and pollinator populations
Who should skip it
- Novice gardeners or those with challenging soil and light conditions
- Families with pets or small children who might ingest garden plants
- Gardeners in colder zones expecting a perennial plant without extra care
Performance breakdown
Fragrance potency
The signature vanilla scent is exceptionally strong and highly noticeable outdoors.
Pollinator attraction
Deep purple blooms act as a reliable magnet for local bees.
Container versatility
Compact mounding habit makes it ideal for baskets and decorative pots.
Visual appeal
Velvety dark foliage provides a sophisticated contrast to the vibrant flowers.
Maintenance ease
Requires regular deadheading to maintain consistent bloom production throughout the season.
Climate adaptability
Sensitive to cold temperatures, requiring protection once frost risks emerge.
Key Specs
Common Name
Cherry Pie, Heliotrope Fragrant Delight
Mature Size
18" - 24" tall, 12" -18" wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Cold Hardiness
30°F
Characteristics
Attracts pollinators, Container Lover, Fragrant
Light
Morning Sun, Full Sun, Afternoon Shade
Bloom Color
Purple
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Fall
Features
- Intense vanilla fragrance
- Deep purple blooms
- Dark green velvety foliage
- Attracts pollinators
- Suitable for containers and hanging baskets
- Mounding growth habit
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Heliotrope 'Fragrant Delight' for its captivating, sweet vanilla like aroma that truly lives up to its name. Many reviewers highlight its remarkable reliability and ease of cultivation, noting how readily it establishes and flourishes in various garden settings. Gardeners appreciate its robust growth and continuous bloom, making it a dependable choice for adding both beauty and an enchanting scent to outdoor spaces. The plant's consistent performance and delightful fragrance are frequently cited as key reasons for its high satisfaction.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is well-known for its intense, sweet vanilla-like fragrance. It is most noticeable on warm, sunny days or during the evening.
Absolutely. Its mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets where you can enjoy the scent at close range.
It prefers full sun, but performs best with some protection from harsh afternoon heat. Aim for a spot that receives bright morning sun followed by light shade later in the day.
Heliotrope is typically treated as an annual in most climates. It is cold-hardy only down to 30°F, so it will not survive a hard frost or freezing winter temperatures.
To encourage continuous flower production, regularly remove spent blooms. This prevents the plant from setting seed and directs its energy back into creating new purple clusters.
Yes, the deep purple blooms are highly attractive to pollinators. It is a great addition if you are looking to support local bee and butterfly populations.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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