About
Siesta' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial 45-55cm high with branched stems, lance-shaped green leaves, and flowerheads with deep russet-red ray-florets, chocolate-brown disc-florets, and golden anthers, from late summer to early 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive, humus-rich, well-drained soil; divide every two to three years to maintain vigour
PruningNo pruning required, but deadheading will prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in containers in a cold frame in spring; propagation for resale is prohibited without a licence
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a leaf spot