Helenium autumnale
Garden Plant Information

Helenium autumnale

 

Name

Helenium autumnale (also called Helen's flower and sneezeweed)

Genus  

Helenium

Species

autumnale

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Herbaceous perennial grown for bright daisy-like flowers in mid and late summer. An excellent plant for late summer colour, the bright flowers are enhanced by the golden light of early autumn. Good for mixed borders, prairie planting, informal gardens and cutting. Very attractive to bees, moths and butterflies.

Season of interest

Mid summer to early autumn.

Key horticultural features

  1. Upright habit, clump forming. H: 90cm S: 60cm.

  2. Stems – straight, green, with vertical ‘wings’ along the length of the stem.

  3. Leaves – green, lanceolate.

  4. Flowers – daisy-like, slightly shaggy looking, in shades from yellow to dark orange. Pronounced brown centre.

Cultural details

Aspect

Full sun.

Soil

Fertile, moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness

Hardy.

Maintenance

Lift and divide clumps every two to three years in spring or autumn. Deadhead to prolong flowering. May need staking if not grown amongst other plants. Young growth may need protection from slugs and snails.

 

Foliage may cause allergic reactions so wear gloves when handling.

Propagation

Lift and divide clumps every two to three years in spring or autumn. Take root cuttings in spring as autumn cuttings may not survive the winter.

 

 

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Published: 19-09-2005

Updated:   14-01-2006