Overview
Helenium autumnale is a perennial herb in the genus Helenium, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Helenium autumnale grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. It is native to Americas.
About
Helenium autumnale is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae that reaches about 1.8 m and bears yellow, daisy-like flower heads. It flowers from July to September, offering a late-summer display. The species favours full sun and reliably performs in moist but well-drained soils. It is suited to borders, wildflower gardens and naturalised areas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helenium autumnale
About the genus
Helenium is a genus of annuals and herbaceous perennial plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the Americas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Helenium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helenium
In the garden
A member of the daisy family, Helenium autumnale is native to the Americas and grows as a tall perennial herb up to about 1.8 m. Its season of interest is late summer: expect flowers from July to September that extend the garden’s bloom period after many spring and early-summer perennials have finished. Plant it where it receives full sun; exposure to uninterrupted sunlight helps the stems carry their flower heads. Soil can range from sandy to loamy or clay, provided it remains moist but well drained — avoid sitting water. In UK hardiness terms it rates H7, meaning it is fully hardy and will tolerate the coldest garden conditions across Britain and Ireland. Because of its height, position Helenium autumnale at the back of mixed borders or within naturalised groupings so lower plants are not shaded. It fits wildflower or meadow-style schemes and can define the rear edge of perennial beds. Its July–September flowering makes it a dependable source of late-summer colour at the back of a border.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helenium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Helenium autumnale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, wildflower gardens, naturalized areas
- Native to
- Americas
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helenium autumnale
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Helenium autumnale?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Helenium autumnale?
Helenium autumnale prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Helenium autumnale need?
Helenium autumnale is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Helenium autumnale?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Helenium autumnale grow?
Helenium autumnale reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Helenium autumnale hardy in the UK?
Helenium autumnale has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Helenium autumnale?
Seed, division.
