Helenium autumnale

Common Names

Sneezeweed, Common Sneezeweed, Helen's Flower, Autumn Sneezeweed, Fall Sneezeweed, Large-Flowered Sneezeweed

Summary

Helenium autumnale is a clump-forming perennial native to North America in the Asteraceae family. It grows erect to 3-5 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide, with slender lance-shaped leaves; flower heads are 1-2 inches wide, with 11-21 ray florets surrounding a dome-shaped central disk, blooming from late summer to autumn in yellow to gold hues, and it attracts bees and butterflies in moist to wet soils under full sun. In cultivation it prefers full sun and moist, rich soil, tolerating chalk, clay, loam, or sand as long as moisture is maintained, with pH about 5.5-7.0. Space plants 3-4 ft apart, provide support for tall stems, and propagate by seed or division; deadhead to extend blooming and divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Mulch with about 3 inches of organic material to conserve moisture; it is relatively pest- and disease-resistant, though powdery mildew or leaf spots can occur in humid conditions. Uses include borders, prairies, meadows, cottage or wild gardens, rain gardens, and cut flowers, while attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Lifecycle

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Height

3-5 feet

Spread

24-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun, tolerates partial sun or partial shade

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, pH 5.5–7.0

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Late summer to fall.

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Bronze, russet, orange, gold and yellows

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings (tip and basal), Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds