APPEARANCE
This mid-summer bloomer features golden yellow daisy-like flowers up to three inches across. The bright flowers with dark centers perch on stiff stalks rising from clumps of dark green foliage. Waves of these golden flowers are often seen along roadsides or in fields and meadows.
CULTIVATION
Heliopsis is an easy to grow perennial. It prefers well drained soil amended with compost, but will tolerate rocky or clay soils. Plant in full sun to part shade and remove the dead flowers during the growing season to promote new blooms. Divide the foliage clumps every two to three years to stimulate growth. Heliopsis is hardy in zones 3-9.
LANDSCAPE USE
A valuable addition to the perennial border or cutting garden, Heliopsis blooms from summer through fall. A mid to tall perennial that can reach heights of five feet, it is best planted in the back of borders or open areas. Grow with other colorful perennials such as campanulas, hardy geraniums and rudebeckias. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
Contributed by Valerie Smith, Colorado Master Gardener. For answers to your horticultural questions, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 636-8921, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays, or CSUmg2@elpasoco.com.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Holzmann.
Pikes Peak Area Garden Help 