| Common Name | Sneezeweed |
| Scientific Name | Helenium autumnale |
| USDA Zones | 3-9 |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Soil | Moist, well-draining soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0) |
| Mature Size | 3–5 ft tall × 1.5–2.5 ft wide (varies by variety) |
| Bloom Time | Mid- to late summer through early fall (peak blooming in August) |
There’s just something magical about Heleniums in August. As summer starts to wind down, these fiery blooms burst to life, lighting up the garden in warm shades of amber, copper, gold, and red—like the sunset itself has taken root.
Whether they’re swaying in a sunny border or clustered in a wildflower bed, Heleniums bring serious late-summer energy. They’re vibrant, cheerful, and never shy about standing out, just when many other flowers are starting to fade.
What I love most is how alive they make a garden feel. Bees and butterflies can’t get enough of them, and their daisy-like petals and domed centers add a playful, textured look that’s full of movement and charm.
They’re perfect for filling those midsummer-to-fall gaps—reliable bloomers that keep the color going strong. Some varieties grow tall and graceful, while others stay compact and tidy, great for front-of-border planting or smaller spaces.
They’re also tougher than they look: happy in full sun, tolerant of heat and humidity, and surprisingly low-maintenance once established.
If you haven’t grown Heleniums before, August is the perfect time to discover their charm—they’re the ultimate feel-good flower for the tail end of summer.
Cultivars to Try
Whether you want tall statement blooms, something for pollinators, or a splash of late-summer color in a border, there’s a Helenium for it. Here are a few favorites I keep coming back to:
| Cultivar | Type & Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moerheim Beauty | Tall; deep red-bronze petals with dark centers | A classic. Rich, warm tones that glow in the sun—perfect for bold borders. |
| Sahin’s Early Flowerer | Branching; orange petals with yellow tips | Long bloom time and constantly changing color. Great for cutting gardens. |
| Mardi Gras | Medium height; red, gold, and orange blend | Bursting with color—like confetti in flower form. A real mood lifter. |
| Ruby Tuesday | Compact; deep ruby-red with yellow halos | Smaller and tidy. Ideal for containers or front-of-border planting. |
| Chelsey | Tall; fiery orange with copper tones | Late bloomer that adds intense heat to fall beds. Makes a great focal point. |
| Kanaria | Medium height; bright yellow with soft centers | Cheerful and easygoing. Blends beautifully with grasses and late-season perennials. |
| Waltraut | Medium height; warm amber-orange | Soft, earthy tones with a vintage feel. Great with purples and pinks. |
| Moerheim Beauty Compact | Dwarf; same coloring as original | All the drama, but smaller—ideal for smaller gardens or tight spaces. |
| Double Trouble | Tall; double yellow petals | Extra petal power! Full and frilly, great for cottage-style plantings. |
| Baudouin | Medium height; red-orange petals, gold halo | Eye-catching contrast and long bloom time. Excellent for pollinators. |