About
This upright, clump-forming perennial to 1.2m high, with branching stems and ovate to lance-shaped green leaves. Daisy-like flowers are produced at the tips of wiry stems from late summer to autumn, with dome-shaped dark brown central discs surrounded by fiery orange-red petals.
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 typeClay, Loam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil. Keep well watered in summer dry spells. Tall stems may need support (see staking perennials). Divide every two to three years to maintain vigour
PruningNo pruning required, but chopping or pinching out a section of plants in late spring can result in bushier growth that flowers slightly later, hiding leggy stems. Deadheading will also prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or by basal softwood cuttings in spring, or by division in spring or late autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm, tortrix moth, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, leaf spot, verticillium wilt and virus diseases