Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed)

Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed) is an upright, clump-forming perennial bringing weeks of color in late summer and fall when many other perennials start to fade. Its erect, branching stems are clothed with slender, lance-shaped, dark green leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), and topped with eye-catching daisy flowers. Borne in clusters, the flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), feature bright yellow, wedge-shaped rays surrounding a prominent, yellow center disk covered with golden pollen that attracts butterflies. Sneezeweeds are highly popular for their reliable and showy display, their disease resistance, and their tolerance to any soil conditions aside from very dry or very wet. Today, most garden Heleniums are hybrids of Helenium autumnale or Helenium bigelovii. They are commonly known as ‘Sneezeweed’ due to the ancient use of their dried leaves in making snuff, inhaled to help sneeze and rid the body of evil spirits. Helenium autumnale is suitable for the perennial border, prairies, meadows, and along ponds and streams.

• Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm)
• Performs best in full sun in average, medium to wet soils.
• Looks stunning planted in drifts and mixes beautifully with ornamental grasses or other perennial plants. Perfect for borders, cottage gardens, or naturalistic areas such as prairies or meadows. Good along ponds and streams.
• Very attractive as cut flowers, it has good resistance to most insects and diseases, attracts butterflies, and deer ignore it. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
• Deadheading will extend the flowering season. Once flowering has ceased and the plant has died back the stems should be cut down.
• Propagate by seed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
• Native to North America.