{"id":18811,"date":"2021-06-02T22:27:04","date_gmt":"2021-06-03T02:27:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/?p=18811"},"modified":"2023-01-07T01:50:15","modified_gmt":"2023-01-07T06:50:15","slug":"vanilla-flower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/","title":{"rendered":"Vanilla Flower: Planting And Caring For The Solstices"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The vanilla flower, also known as the solstice or heliotrope, is a wonderfully fragrant eye-catcher for every garden or balcony. We introduce you to the most beautiful solstice species and show you how to properly plant and care for South American beauty.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vanilla_flower_flowering_time_origin_and_characteristics\"><\/span>Vanilla flower: flowering time, origin and characteristics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6628c0c3dbc46\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6628c0c3dbc46\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Vanilla_flower_flowering_time_origin_and_characteristics\" title=\"Vanilla flower: flowering time, origin and characteristics\">Vanilla flower: flowering time, origin and characteristics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#The_most_beautiful_solstice_varieties\" title=\"The most beautiful solstice varieties\">The most beautiful solstice varieties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Plant_heliotropes\" title=\"Plant heliotropes\">Plant heliotropes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#The_perfect_location_for_solstices\" title=\"The perfect location for solstices\">The perfect location for solstices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#What_do_you_have_to_consider_when_planting_solstices_in_the_bed\" title=\"What do you have to consider when planting solstices in the bed?\">What do you have to consider when planting solstices in the bed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Vanilla_flowers_for_the_balcony_tips_for_planting_in_pots\" title=\"Vanilla flowers for the balcony: tips for planting in pots\">Vanilla flowers for the balcony: tips for planting in pots<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Caring_for_vanilla_flowers\" title=\"Caring for vanilla flowers\">Caring for vanilla flowers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Water_solstices\" title=\"Water solstices\">Water solstices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Fertilize_solstices\" title=\"Fertilize solstices\">Fertilize solstices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Cut_the_vanilla_flowers\" title=\"Cut the vanilla flowers\">Cut the vanilla flowers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Hibernate_vanilla_flowers\" title=\"Hibernate vanilla flowers\">Hibernate vanilla flowers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Solstices_multiply\" title=\"Solstices multiply\">Solstices multiply<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Is_the_vanilla_flower_poisonous\" title=\"Is the vanilla flower poisonous?\">Is the vanilla flower poisonous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/vanilla-flower\/#Is_the_vanilla_flower_friendly_to_bees\" title=\"Is the vanilla flower friendly to bees?\">Is the vanilla flower friendly to bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The vanilla flower ( <em>Heliotropium arborescens<\/em> ) belongs to the borage or predatory leaf family and has its origin in the Peruvian Andes. The flowering time of the vanilla flower is wonderfully long with up to five months, it lasts from May to September. The sun-loving vanilla flowers show an upright, dense growth and reach heights of 30 to 80 centimeters, depending on the variety.<\/p>\n<p>Many small, five-petalled, mostly dark purple single flowers form lush corymbs over elliptical, alternately arranged, mostly dark green leaves. The leaves are wrinkled and slightly hairy. The vanilla flower is also known as the solstice because its leaves &#8211; as with many species of the <em>Heliotropium<\/em> genus &#8211; always align with the sun and rotate with the sun&#8217;s position. Another special feature of the vanilla flower, as the name suggests, is its intense scent of vanilla.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You might so like<\/strong>: <a class=\"yoast-link-suggestion__value\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/hydrangea-flowering-time-what-to-do-if-the-hydrangea-doesnt-bloom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hydrangea Flowering Time: What To Do If The Hydrangea Doesn&#8217;t Bloom?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_most_beautiful_solstice_varieties\"><\/span>The most beautiful solstice varieties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are several varieties of vanilla flowers, which differ in the color of the flowers, the color of the leaves, the height, or the smell of the flowers.<\/p>\n<p>Here is a selection of the most beautiful solstice varieties:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;Alba&#8217;: White flowers with a very intense vanilla scent<\/li>\n<li>&#8216;Marine&#8217;: dark purple to deep blue flowers; compact growth: 30 &#8211; 40 cm<\/li>\n<li>&#8216;Schloss Ahrensburg&#8217;: medium blue flowers; flowers very early; smallest variety: 30 cm<\/li>\n<li>\u2032 Iowa \u2032: light purple flowers; Smell of gummy bears<\/li>\n<li>\u2032 Aurea \u2032: light purple flowers; green-yellow foliage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\" \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/b971e0167c54d509aad14ea5c6c304b2.jpg\" alt=\"Vanilla flower: everything you need to know about planting &amp; caring for the solstices\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plant_heliotropes\"><\/span>Plant heliotropes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Heliotropes can be planted in pots on the terrace or balcony as well as in beds &#8211; the main thing is that the location offers plenty of suns!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_perfect_location_for_solstices\"><\/span>The perfect location for solstices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Solstices love the sun and should of course be planted in a sunny place. Even partially shaded locations are suitable, but the optimal development of the plant is achieved in direct sunlight. The perfect location is also protected as well as possible from wind and rain.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You might so like<\/strong>: <a class=\"yoast-link-suggestion__value\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/angels-trumpet-plant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Angel&#8217;s Trumpet Plant: Overwintering, Multiplying, And Cutting Of Brugmansia<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_you_have_to_consider_when_planting_solstices_in_the_bed\"><\/span>What do you have to consider when planting solstices in the bed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you have found a sun-exposed spot in your bed, it is also important that the soil around the vanilla flower is humic, fresh, and permeable to water. You can put some good potting soil into the planting hole so that the plant develops optimally even on slightly poorer soils. Before planting, pull the root ball of the vanilla flower apart a little to stimulate root formation. Also, be careful not to plant the vanilla flower too deeply. Immediately after planting, the vanilla flower is happy to have plenty of water.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vanilla_flowers_for_the_balcony_tips_for_planting_in_pots\"><\/span>Vanilla flowers for the balcony: tips for planting in pots<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Vanilla flowers also thrive in pots on the balcony or terrace. When planting, choose a sufficiently large planter so that the roots can develop well. To avoid waterlogging, there must be a drainage hole in the bottom of the vessel. So that this remains free, pottery shards can be placed over it. Our peat-free organic potting soil is very suitable as a substrate. It offers the solstices the perfect conditions for vigorous growth and lush flowers. The expanded clay contained ensures balanced moisture and thus healthy root growth.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Caring_for_vanilla_flowers\"><\/span>Caring for vanilla flowers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In addition to its location requirements, which you can easily recognize from the name, the solstice is relatively robust and easy to care for. Nevertheless, care must be taken to ensure the correct supply of water and nutrients.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Water_solstices\"><\/span>Water solstices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The solstices should be watered daily. However, since the vanilla flower is sensitive to waterlogging, drainage or seepage of excess water must be guaranteed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fertilize_solstices\"><\/span>Fertilize solstices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To meet the nutritional requirements of the solstices, a monthly liquid fertilizer is recommended from April to September. Our purely organic flower and balcony fertilizer provide fragrant vanilla flowers with all the important nutrients quickly and easily.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You might so like<\/strong>: <a class=\"yoast-link-suggestion__value\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/iris-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Iris: Everything To Care For, Cutting And Choice Location For Planting<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cut_the_vanilla_flowers\"><\/span>Cut the vanilla flowers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>So that the vanilla flower invests its energy again and again in the formation of new, magnificent inflorescences, the dried out flowers and parts of the plant should be cut off. In the case of early young plants, it is also advisable to clip the shoot tips regularly. This stimulates tillering, making the plants bushier and not growing too quickly. In autumn, if necessary, you can cut back slightly before wintering.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hibernate_vanilla_flowers\"><\/span>Hibernate vanilla flowers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Vanilla flowers are not hardy and cannot tolerate temperatures below 5 \u00b0 C. But that doesn&#8217;t mean that you have to throw the plants away after flowering, because if solstices are overwintered in a sheltered place, they will bloom again in full splendor the following year. With the right care, the vanilla flower gets bigger and stronger from year to year. In autumn, before the first frosts, place the heliotrope in a sheltered, dry, and light place. The temperature should be between 12 and 18 \u00b0 C. The plant only needs to be watered a little during the winter months, there is no need for fertilization. In May, when the nights are frost-free, you can put the vanilla flower back on your balcony or in the garden.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\" \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5fa32091b1524048dda4d78f17de8ce9.jpg\" alt=\"Vanilla flower: everything you need to know about planting &amp; caring for the solstices\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solstices_multiply\"><\/span>Solstices multiply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>On the one hand, the vanilla flower can be propagated through seeds. The sowing takes place from January to March in a warm, light room with a temperature of 18 to 22 \u00b0 C. The light is important because solstices are among the light germs. You should therefore cover the seeds with a thin layer of substrate or only press them lightly to establish contact with the ground. Germination takes a little patience: you have to wait 10 to 15 days for the seedlings. From mid-May, the early plants can then be put outside.<\/p>\n<p>Propagation via cuttings is also possible. To do this, cut cuttings about ten centimeters long from the plant in autumn or spring and place them in pots with potting soil. The cuttings form roots and shoots within a few weeks and grow into new vanilla flowers.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_vanilla_flower_poisonous\"><\/span>Is the vanilla flower poisonous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The vanilla flower is poisonous. Therefore, despite its tempting scent, it should definitely not be consumed. The roots in particular, but also the above-ground parts of the plant, contain poisonous pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which serve as secondary plant substances to ward off predators. The breakdown products of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids can cause severe liver damage in high doses.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_vanilla_flower_friendly_to_bees\"><\/span>Is the vanilla flower friendly to bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not only people fall for the bewitching scent of the vanilla flower. Bees find a good supply of food in their numerous inflorescences and butterflies like to settle on the blossoms of the vanilla flower.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\" \/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/27ac395f02d5e97896de26b434ae13f5.jpg\" alt=\"Vanilla flower: everything you need to know about planting &amp; caring for the solstices\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you want to make your <a href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/why-are-bees-important-in-the-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">garden bee-friendly<\/a> and want to expand the food supply for insects, our bee pasture is ideal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The vanilla flower, also known as the solstice or heliotrope, is a wonderfully fragrant eye-catcher for every garden or balcony. We introduce you to the most beautiful solstice species and show you how to properly plant and care for South American beauty. Vanilla flower: flowering time, origin and characteristics The vanilla flower ( Heliotropium arborescens&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":18812,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18811"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18811"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18811\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27763,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18811\/revisions\/27763"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18811"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18811"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18811"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}