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
In the garden
A member of the genus Heliopsis in the Asteraceae, Heliopsis scabra 'Patula' belongs to a group of North American perennials recognised for daisy-like composite heads. It flowers from July to September, producing conspicuous yellow ray florets surrounding a central disc; the ray florets are fertile, a botanical detail that separates Heliopsis from true sunflowers. The plant grows from rhizomes and forms clumps that expand slowly in suitable ground. For best results choose a sunny site with moist, fertile soil; specimens tolerate richer soils and will produce a stronger display where nutrients are adequate. Taller stems carrying many blooms can benefit from light staking to prevent flopping. Plants divided every few years will reinvigorate clumps and limit overcrowding. In the UK garden Heliopsis scabra 'Patula' suits mixed perennial borders, prairie-style drifts and sunny roadside or meadow edges where its mid-to-late summer flowers add continuity after early-season perennials. Its composite heads cut cleanly for summer bouquets, and allowing some spent flowers to remain reveals the characteristic achenes at the centre of each head.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
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'