Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer' (25) plants
Common name: Sneezeweed, Helen's Flower.
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Plants reach 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide; Clump forming habit. Growth rate: Moderate, erect herbaceous clump-forming perennial.
Flowers open deep red with a brown and yellow central cone, then develop orange and yellow streaks on the petals. Helenium is easy to grow and provides months of fabulous color from midsummer through early fall. The flowers should not make you sneeze, as they are non-allergenic; the name is from its old-time use as dried, powdered root for snuff.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit 2001
Native to the edges of woods, low meadows, and moist prairies, helenium will thrive in average to rich, moist, well-drained soil; intolerant of dry soils. Avoid over-fertilization which may cause plants to grow too tall. Pinch plants back by half in late spring to encourage a sturdy, compact habit; deadhead to promote rebloom. Divide every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor.
Excellent as a border plant, cut flowers, and mass plantings. . They are grown commercially as cut flowers because their strong, tall stems are ideal for cutting. Attracts butterflies. |