Don't let the name Sneezeweed scare you away from this stunning bloomer. The name came from the Native Americans use of the plant to make snuff. Heleniums are a gorgeous flower for the late summer/ early fall garden. They are covered in dozens of 2-3" flowers July-September and can rebloom in October.
The flowers come in shades of gold, yellow, rust and mahogany and are topped by a brown button. They also add some nice vertical height to the mixed border with some varieties reaching 5' tall. Not only do Heleniums look good in the garden but they are also as great cut flowers and good for bees. They are easy to grow and reliable in any fertile soil and tolerate quite a bit of moisture (a good candidate for the moist to mesic area of a rain-garden). They blend perfectly with grasses, bee balm, yarrow and other late season bloomers.
Some of our favorite varieties:
Gold flowers with red highlights July through September.
Grows 5' tall and 2' wide
Zones 4-8.
Profuse yellow flowers age to orange. Rich chocolate brown centers. August to October.
Grows 3-4' tall and 3' wide.
Zones 4-8.
Unique mahogany flowers June through August.
Grows 2 ½- 4' tall by 3' wide plants.
Zones 4-11.
Burgundy flowers and mahogany centers July to October.
Compact, growing 20-30" tall by 16" wide
Zones 4-8.
Bicolor orange and gold flowers fade to yellow July-September.
Exceptionally sturdy stems make them great for cut flowers.
Grows 3' tall by 2-3' wide
Zones 3-9.
Stunning gold and orange flowers August to October.
Compact growing 12-18" tall and wide.
Zones 4.
Large golden yellow flowers and dark centers June through August.
Grows 3' tall and wide.
Zones 4-11.
Inventory varies daily May through October. Please contact us for current availability.
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Helenium
Common Name: Helen's Flower, Sneezeweed
Origin: This genus of about 40 herbaceous perennials, annuals and biennials is found mostly in North, Central and South America. Helenium bigelovii, bolanderi, and hoopseii are native to Oregon.
Culture: Frost hardy, they prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun), well, drained soil and regular water. Propagate from seed or by division in early spring. Heleniums are hardy in zones 3-9.
Maintenance: Regular removal of spent blooms will prolong flowering. Staking may be required (hot weather promotes tall weak growth). Plants can also be pinched or pruned when growth is six to eight inches tall to encourage more compact plants. Mulching with compost helps keep roots cool and moist in the summer. Dividing the plants every two to three years will help revitalize vigor.
Pest and Disease: Slugs, snails, rust and powdery mildew. If plants have mildew they can be cut by one-half to two-thirds after blooming. This helps deter further outbreaks.
Additional qualities: Attracts bees, butterflies, beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Great cut flower. Drought tolerant. Long bloom season.
We have a wonderful selection of perennials year round, but if you are looking for a specific perennial we will have the best selection when it is in bloom around town. Note: Native plant pages will take you into the Native Plant section.
