About
A species of compact, clump-forming perennial, up to 160cm high with 'winged' stems with flaps of tissue down them and dark green leaves, mainly at the base. The large, rounded heads are yellowish-brown and generally have no petals, except for a few at the base in summer through to 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
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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