Helenium, commonly known as sneezeweed, is a vibrant perennial plant prized for its daisy-like flowers and long-lasting color. Native to North and Central America, Helenium thrives in sunny conditions and moist, well-drained soil. Its blooms appear from mid-summer to fall, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking extended seasonal interest. Below, we explore the best Helenium varieties for sustained color.
One of the most popular varieties, 'Moerheim Beauty,' features deep coppery-red petals with a dark brown center. This cultivar blooms from July to September and reaches heights of 3–4 feet. Its sturdy stems resist flopping, ensuring a tidy display. The intense color holds well even in full sun, making it ideal for borders or cut flower arrangements.
For early and prolonged blooms, 'Sahin's Early Flowerer' is an excellent choice. This variety produces golden-yellow flowers with red-brown centers, starting in June and lasting until October. Its compact growth (2–3 feet) suits smaller gardens or container planting. The flowers fade minimally, maintaining vivid hues throughout the season.
'Wyndley' stands out for its unique two-toned petals—yellow at the tips fading to orange-red near the center. Blooming from July to September, this variety grows to 3 feet tall and attracts pollinators. Its color intensity remains high, especially when planted in groups, creating a striking visual impact.
Also known as 'Ruby Dwarf,' 'Rubinzwerg' offers rich ruby-red flowers with yellow accents. A compact variety (2–2.5 feet), it blooms from August to October. The deep red tones resist fading, even in hot climates, and its shorter stature makes it perfect for front-of-border plantings.
'Can Can' is celebrated for its ruffled, golden-yellow petals with mahogany-red streaks. This mid-sized variety (3–4 feet) flowers from July to September. The bi-colored blooms retain their brilliance, and the plant's vigorous growth ensures a long-lasting display with minimal care.
For a unique twist, 'Double Trouble' produces double yellow flowers with green centers. Blooming from July to September, this 3-foot-tall variety offers a longer-lasting floral show due to its layered petals. The bright yellow color remains vibrant, adding cheer to late-summer gardens.
'Mardi Gras' is a kaleidoscope of color, with petals transitioning from yellow to orange to red. This 4-foot-tall variety blooms from August to October. The multicolored flowers maintain their hues well, and the plant's robust nature ensures a reliable performance year after year.
To maximize color retention, plant Helenium in full sun (6+ hours daily) and moist, fertile soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming and divide clumps every 2–3 years to maintain vigor. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, which is critical for sustained flowering.
