About
Heliopsis helianthoides, smooth ox-eye, is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial with toothed, smooth or hairy, dark-green leaves. Daisy-like flowerheads with a central brown, red or yellow disc appear in shades of yellow and orange over a long season from midsummer to autumn. Leaves can occasionally be variegated. One of the most reliable and long-flowering of all yellow border perennials.
About the genus
Heliopsis are robust, upright perennials with stiff, erect stems, opposite, lance-shaped leaves and showy, rich-yellow to orange, daisy-like flowerheads similar to sunflowers. Excellent border perennials flowering from midsummer to autumn.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring or propagate by basal cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free