About
An upright herbaceous perennial up to 1.2m high with green leaves and flowerheads with mid-red ray-florets, yellow at the centre, and brown disc-florets, in late summer; 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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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 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 a leaf spot