Overview
Heliopsis laevis is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Heliopsis, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Heliopsis laevis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting and wildlife gardens.
About
Bidens laevis is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family known by the common names larger bur-marigold and smooth beggarticks. It is native to South America, Mexico, and the southern and eastern United States. It grows in wetlands, including estuaries and riverbanks. Bidens laevis is similar in appearance to its relative Bidens cernua and the two are sometimes confused. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bidens laevis
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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Heliopsis laevis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Heliopsis laevis
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in autumn or spring or propagate by basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Heliopsis laevis?
Heliopsis laevis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Heliopsis laevis need?
Heliopsis laevis 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.
Is Heliopsis laevis hardy in the UK?
Heliopsis laevis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Heliopsis laevis?
Propagate by division in autumn or spring or propagate by basal cuttings in spring.
More in the Heliopsis genus
- Heliopsis helianthoides 'Bonfire Sunset'
- Heliopsis helianthoides 'Helios Sunset'
- Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Benzinggold'North American ox-eye 'Benzinggold'
- Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Prima Ballerina'
- Heliopsis helianthoides Orange Marble ('Vensgc') (v)
- Heliopsis helianthoides Sole Magico ('Inhelsomag')
- Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra Punto Rosso ('Inhelpunro')