This mainly North American genus belongs to the daisy family and contains about 40 species of annuals, biennials, and perennials. Most species form an upright foliage clump and have simple, lance-shaped, light green leaves, usually covered with fine hairs. From mid-summer until well into autumn they produce large daisy like flowerheads, consisting of a central cone or disc floret surrounded by large and often slightly drooping ray florets. The central disc is usually yellow as may be the surrounding ray florets, although more often these are in contrasting shades of orange or red. Helenium species are commonly known as aneeze-weed because Native Americans traditionally used the powered flowers from certain species to make snuff.
CULTIVATION
Hardiness varies but most species are very frost tolerant. Plant them in a sunny open position in moist well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering period. Propagate by division, from cuttings taken from shoots at the base of the plant, or from seed.
Top Tip
Helenium species are easy to grow and do not require much attention. The taller varieties may need staking and can be planted along fences.
CULTIVATION
Hardiness varies but most species are very frost tolerant. Plant them in a sunny open position in moist well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering period. Propagate by division, from cuttings taken from shoots at the base of the plant, or from seed.
Top Tip
Helenium species are easy to grow and do not require much attention. The taller varieties may need staking and can be planted along fences.
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