Helenium 'Waltraut'
(Sneezeweed 'Waltraut')
Family - Asteraceae
Category - Perennial
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H7
Height - up to 1m
Width - 60cm
Description: A clump-forming herbaceous Perennial with an upright habit. Smooth, mid-green leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape. Daisy-like flowerheads are deep orange-red, each Bloom with an outer yellow ring around the petals (ray florets). Each flowerhead is composed of a brown central boss of Disc florets surrounded by ray florets that are notched at the tips and reflex with age. The flowerheads are held in clusters on upright branching stems and are produced from midsummer into early autumn. Excellent for use as cut flowers and attractive to pollinating insects.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
In legend, the genus Helenium emerged from ground soaked with Helen of Troy's tears (an allusion to the plant's preference for soils that will not dry out).
The common name 'Sneezeweed' is derived from the (erroneous) belief that Heleniums will cause hayfever.
Flower:
Daisy-like flowerheads are deep reddish-orange with a yellow outer ring. The flowerheads are composed of a brown central boss of disc florets surrounded by a ring of ray florets (petals) that are notched at the tips and reflex with age. The flowerheads are held in clusters on upright, branched stems and are produced from July into September.
Flower colour: Orange, yellow
Flower shape: Daisy-like flowerheads, disc and ray florets in clusters
Flowering time: July, August, September
Foliage:
Smooth, mid-green leaves are lanceolate to ovate in shape. The leaves are Alternately arranged on the upright stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Lanceolate to ovate
Poison Information:
This plant will cause discomfort if ingested.
Pest and Diseases:
Protect the young growth from slugs in spring.
Propagation:
Division.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.