Helena Red Shades Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale ‘Helena Red Shades’)
Helena Red Shades Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale ‘Helena Red Shades’) is a striking late-season perennial that produces an abundance of red and orange daisy-like blooms from midsummer through fall. Its warm-toned flowers create a dramatic contrast against deep green foliage, making it an excellent choice for borders, meadows, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Distinctive Features
Helena Red Shades produces clusters of vibrant red-orange flowers with golden tips, each featuring a prominent raised brown cone at the center. The blooms are held on upright, branching stems, creating a bushy, full appearance that provides structure and movement in the garden.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
- Water: Prefers regular moisture; drought-tolerant once established.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8, adaptable to various climates.
Ideal Uses
- Mixed Borders: Adds rich color to late-season plantings.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies.
- Meadow and Prairie Plantings: Naturalizes beautifully in open landscapes.
- Mass Plantings: Creates a bold, fiery display.
- Cut Flower Gardens: Provides long-lasting blooms for floral arrangements.
Low Maintenance Care
Helena Red Shades Sneezeweed is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives with minimal care.
- Watering: Prefers consistent moisture; avoid prolonged drought.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom time.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Generally unpalatable to browsing animals.
Why Choose Helena Red Shades?
This bold, late-flowering perennial provides vibrant autumn color and excellent pollinator support.
- Fiery Red and Orange Blooms: A warm, eye-catching garden addition.
- Extended Bloom Season: Flowers persist from midsummer into fall.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Provides nectar for bees and butterflies.
- Low Maintenance: Thrives with little intervention.
For a dramatic, easy-care perennial with long-lasting red blooms, Helena Red Shades Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale ‘Helena Red Shades’) is an outstanding choice.