Overview
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Heliopsis, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' (North American ox-eye 'Benzinggold') is a sturdy herbaceous perennial from the Asteraceae family, growing to between 1 and 1.5 metres tall with a columnar upright habit. It features paired lanceolate leaves and prominent flowers reminiscent of sunflowers, thriving in full sun with moist but well-drained soil of various types and pH levels. This deciduous cultivar is suitable for cottage, prairie, and wildlife gardens, providing seasonal interest from spring through autumn and supporting pollinators. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and may require support as it matures over 2 to 5 years.
About the genus
Heliopsis is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to dry prairies in North and South America. The sunflower-like composite flowerheads are usually yellow, up to 8 cm (3 in) in diameter, and are borne in summer. Species are commonly called ox-eye or oxeye.
Wikipedia contributors, "Heliopsis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heliopsis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Heliopsis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold'?
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' need?
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' grow?
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
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More in the Heliopsis genus
- Heliopsis helianthoidessmooth ox-eye

- Heliopsis scabra

- Heliopsis scabra 'Golden Plume'

- Heliopsis scabra 'Incomparabilis'False Sunflower

- Heliopsis scabra 'Light of Loddon'

- Heliopsis scabra 'Patula'
