About

A compact, clump-forming perennial, up to 50cm high, with leafy, branching stems and dark green foliage. Flowers have dark orange to yellow petals surrounding a large brown central cone, and are produced from midsummer into autumn.

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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil. Keep well watered in summer dry spells. Divide every two to three years to maintain vigour
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate 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