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Herbaceous Perennial

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

North American ox-eye 'Bleeding Hearts'

A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial to 1.2m tall, with ovate leaves, purple-flushed when young. From late summer to early autumn it bears single, red flowerheads that age to coppery orange. A good plant to attract pollinating insects and also makes a long-lasting cut flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Orange Red Green
Autumn Orange Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Heliopsis are robust perennials with stiff, erect stems; opposite, lance-shaped leaves and showy rich yellow to orange flowers similar to sunflowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigour. May require staking in exposed sites

Propagation

Propagate by seed, division, or basal cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back stems to ground level in early winter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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