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Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer'

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 Common Name: Sneezeweed
Common Name (Alternative): Helen's Flower

Don't be fooled by the common name 'Sneezeweed'! The flowers of this plant are non-allergenic. Instead, it gets its name from the old-time use of the dried, powdered root for snuff.

Helenium is a wonderful perennial that is easy to grow and provides months of fabulous color from midsummer through early fall. Its flowers open deep red with a brown and yellow central cone, then develop orange and yellow streaks on the petals. They are grown commercially as cut flowers because their strong, tall stems are ideal for cutting. This selection was given the Award of Garden Merit in 2001 by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Origin: Native Cultivar

Characteristics:



Height:
  3 Feet
Spread:
  18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
  Gold/Orange Shades
  Red shades
Foliage Color:
  Green shades
Hardiness Zone:
3,4,5,6,7,8
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Average water needs
  Consistent water needs
Want to see wings?:
  Attracts butterflies
How fast should it grow?:
  Medium
When should it bloom?:
  Midsummer
  Late summer
  Early fall
How's your soil?:
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Prairie
  Cottage
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Cut flower or foliage
Mass Planting
Specimen or focal point

Awards:

  Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit 2001

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Native to the edges of woods, low meadows, and moist prairies, helenium will thrive in any average to rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Dry soil will result in unsightly plants. Pinch plants back by half in late spring to encourage a more sturdy, compact habit. Deadhead to promote rebloom. Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Iris sibirica 'Caesar's Brother'
Common Name: Iris-Siberian
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Monarda 'Jacob Cline'
Common Name: Bee Balm
4,5,6,7,8,9
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Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
Common Name: Aster-New England
3,4,5,6,7,8
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Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' PP18932
Common Name: Speedwell-Spike
4,5,6,7,8
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Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Dot' ('Puenktchen')
Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
5,6,7,8,9
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Aconitum fischeri
Common Name: Monkshood-Azure
4,5,6,7,8
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Phlox paniculata 'Laura'
Common Name: Phlox-Tall Garden
4,5,6,7,8
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.