Question
Hi there, I just cut back my heliotropes in early November. They were overgrown and had a lot of the dead flowers and leaves in the undergrowth.  Will they come back to be the full plants that they were?  I just read something that said you cut them back in early Spring.  I live in Southern CA so I don't get a terrible winter but I figured now would be when I cut them back, so they grow in by Spring next year.  Should I buy new ones or will they grow back?  Thank you very much!

Answer
Hi Carrie,
Thanx for your question.  It's okay that you pruned your heliotropes now.  One may also prune them in the early spring.  Your plants should look bushy and healthy next spring.  Heliotropes are originally from Peru and are hardy perennials in Zones 9 and 10.  They are used as annuals in other areas of the U.S.  Because you live in Southern California you may treat them as tender perennials that should have little trouble surviving in your climate unless you live in the high desert where it can get pretty cold even by California standards.  I hope this helps.
Tom