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Herbaceous Perennial

Heliopsis helianthoides
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

smooth ox-eye

A species of bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial with toothed, smooth or hairy dark green leaves. Leaves can also be occasionally variegated and in shades of pink, white or dark red. Flowers are most commonly daisy-like with a central brown, red or yellow floret, but can also be double, pom-pom shaped or have long, spidery petals in shades of yellow and orange and appear over a long flowering period from midsummer through to the autumn

Other common names
North American ox-eye
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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 Red Pink
Summer Orange Yellow Red Green Red Pink
Autumn Orange Yellow Red Green Red Pink
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or spring or propagate by basal cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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