Heliotropium Species, Scorpion Tail, Butterfly Heliotrope

I've had this in my garden for a few years now. It reseeds. It survives the weather here. It attracts butterflies (including Zebra Lon...Read Moreg Wings) and bees.

I'd love to know why the bottom leaves become black and crispy as the plant itself remains healthy, blooming profusely (right now in February for example). Its not from cold here and it's not from lack of water. I'm trying an organic fertilizer out of curiosity.

I found this plant as a volunteer in one of my containers that I bought from Austin. I held off on pulling it before I could identify it,...Read More as it has lovely flowers. Luckily, it is native to Texas, albeit in the very southernmost few counties. Good enough for me!

The profile for this plant says that it's suitable for xeriscaping, but I have not found this to be true, at least not for the individuals I have. They do require regular watering in the summer heat, especially if they're planted in full sun. Here in Plano, winter temperatures vary pretty widely, and sometimes it gets cold enough to kill it. I keep it in a pot and move it inside during winter. By the time spring comes around, it's got some black leaves, but I trim them off and it bounces right back, no problem. The flowers and foliage are lovely and very graceful, and they last pretty much all year round.

Outside of its range, it could probably be grown as an annual. It certainly makes a good container plant.

I originally started one from a tip cutting in water (about 3") it rooted easily. Since then there is no shortage of them from self see...Read Moreding. They even pop up in the lawn area, which I dont use weed killer ever, so I just transplant them. They do get legging after a couple of years and dont seem to rebound well from pruning, so I usually replace by then.

I'm in my second year with it although they didn't survive the 1st winter here in containers. I re-purchased for my second year and they...Read More will be in the ground. I saw many of the smaller butterflies on it. I'll always have this plant in my garden.