An old-fashioned Victorian favourite, heliotrope is still cultivated for perfume making in Europe. The handsome plants have dark blue-green leaves and velvety 10.2 to 12.7 cm panicles of tiny purple blossoms whose soft sensuous fragrance is reminiscent of violets and cherries but more rich and complex. Plant them in containers or nearby garden beds where you can easily enjoy their sweet scent and bewitching colour throughout the summer.
