Helenium

These perennials, commonly called Sneezeweeds, are natives of North America. They grow from 2 to 5 feet high and produce tons of beautiful, Daisy-like flowers that last well when cut. These flowers have very pronounced, central disks and are borne from late summer to fall. H. 'Sonnenwunder' is a vigorous growing plant with lance-shaped, dark green leaves growing from strong stems. From late summer to fall, a profusion of large flowers with reflexed, golden yellow petals and large, round disks are produced. H. 'Riverton Gem' bears large, orangish and golden yellow flowers with round, brown central disks. H. 'Wyndley produces large flowers with coppery yellow, red streaked petals surrounding brown centers. H. 'Moerheim Beauty' is a pretty plant with rich, dark orange-red flowers in early autumn.

Pot Cultivation

These plants may be grown in any loamy soil that isn't waterlogged, in full sun. Some varieties, such as H. 'Butterpat', may need to be provided with some kind of grow-through support to carry the weight of their flowers. These plants should be lifted and divided regularly to maintain vigorous growth.

Propagation

Divide these plants in the spring or fall to increase your stock and, as mentioned previously, to maintain their vigor.

H. tenuifolium

VARIETIES

• H. tenuifolium (an annual that is raised from seed);
• H. autumnale & var. Baron Linden, Chipperfield Orange, Riverton Beauty, Riverton Gem, Old Gold Giant, Moerheim Beauty, autumnale pumilum, Butterpat, Crimson Beauty, Sonnenwunder; Wyndley;
• H. Bigelovii aurantiacum.