Blue heliotrope control

Access all the information needed for control of this noxious weed, including weed identification, herbicide application and spray timings.


Description

Blue heliotrope description

Blue heliotrope identification

Blue heliotrope is a perennial herb typically growing to about 60 cm in height. The plant has a large, well-developed root system. The leaves are lanceolate (tapering to a point) in shape, and can grow to 2–9 cm in length and 0.4–2.5 cm wide. They are a dull-green colour and are covered in short hairs.

Blue heliotrope has flowers that are arranged in a caterpillar-like formation, featuring 0–7 branches depending on the size of the plant. The flowers themselves sit in two parallel rows along small branches, with petals 5.5–8 mm in length. The flowers are purple to blue in colour, and can be found on the plant for most of the year, apart from in winter in more southern areas.

Blue heliotrope control

Controlling blue heliotrope

Ensure you spray the entire leaf area of the plant, with thorough coverage of the crown (where the stems meet) all the way to the tips.

For best results, ensure you treat when the plant is actively growing and commencing flowering. This will ensure maximum uptake of the chemical into the root system.

Herbicides for control of blue heliotrope

Product#Method of applicationRate*State
Grazon® Extra Herbicide Foliar spray 500 mL/100 L of water All 
Starane® Advanced Herbicide Foliar spray 600 mL/100 L of water All

# Note: Preferred product option in bold. * Consult label for details of growth stage and use, especially where range of rates is given.

Treatment timing

Timing for blue heliotrope

Blue heliotrope can be controlled with foliar applied herbicides from November to March. Treatment should only be carried out when plants are actively growing with no leaf fall. Do not treat during hot, dry summer periods.

ProductSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAug
Grazon® Extra Herbicide
Starane® Advanced Herbicide
Key: Best time to spray/treat Can spray/treat if conditions are suitable Do not spray/treat