PerennialsHelenium autumnale
Sneezeweed
Sneezeweed is a vigorous perennial that brightens the garden from August to October with warm shades of yellow, orange, and red. The daisy-like flowers with their prominent domed centres are magnets for bees and butterflies. Excellent for prairie borders and cut flowers.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 80–150 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow, orange, red
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in moisture-retentive soil that does not dry out completely. Feed with compost in spring. Stake taller cultivars to prevent flopping. Divide every three to four years to maintain vigorous flowering.
Pruning tips
Cut stems back to the ground after the first frost. You can halve the stems in June (the Chelsea chop) to promote more compact growth and later, longer-lasting blooms.
Good companions
PerennialsRudbeckia fulgida
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.
PerennialsEchinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.
Ornamental grassesMiscanthus sinensis
Chinese Silver Grass
Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.