Helenium 'MOERHEIM BEAUTY'

Moerheim Beauty is an eye-catching variety of sneezeweed (helenium). It produces large, daisy-like flowers with chocolate brown discs. The ray florets are longer than on other heleniums, and their predominant colour is fiery red, changing to crimson red and coppery orange during their life span. Moerheim Beauty has strong stems that do not tend to break in winds and heavy rainfalls. Blooming begins in mid to late July and lasts until early autumn.

Leaves are inversely lance-shaped, narrow and medium green. They are present all the way up along the fragile-looking but sturdy stems, too. It is not necessary to cut back the whole plant after the first flowering phase to encourage new growth and repeated flowering – this variety, cultivated in humus-rich soil, will continue blooming without any help. If you are unsure about your soil fertility use a good fertilizer high in phosphorus.

It will grow in almost soil type but prefers fertile, reasonably drained soil and full sun. Sneezeweed is not drought tolerant and its robust body requires sufficient moisture. So if you plant to grow them in a dry location regular irrigation will be required. On the other hand, it can take slightly water-logged sites where it will grow taller than its given height but will be richer in flowering and with more handsome foliage. It is recommended to divide the clumps every 2-4 years to encourage formation of new roots and production of young plants. All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if eaten. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 16-12-2013