About
An upright, clump-forming perennial up to 1.5m or more high, with branched stems and ovate to lance-shaped green leaves, 10-15cm long, and flowers 5-7cm across with dark brown discs (yellow in the wild) surrounded by bright yellow rays, which bend downwards as the disc-florets open, from late summer to autumn; the flowers provide pollen for bees and nectar for bees and other insects.
About the genus
Helenium may be upright, clump-forming annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple leaves and showy daisy-like flower-heads over a long period
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Native toAmericas
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil, and provide support for the tall stems; divide every two to three years to maintain vigour
PruningNo pruning required, but deadheading will prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring, by division in autumn or spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in containers in a cold frame in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to leaf spot