Helenium 'SHORT'N'SASSY'

Helen’s flower (sneezeweed) is an attractive perennial for summer and autumn borders. Newer cultivars are selected for extended blooming time or different colour play. Short'n'Sassy (Short and Sassy) is one of the short varieties which was found as a natural mutation of an unknown parent by Gina Falcetti-Arnold in the fields of Skagit Gardens, Mount Vernon, WA, in 2009. US patent PP24460 and EU43299 was granted in 2014 and the following year the variety was awarded Silver Medal at Plantarium, a prestigious fair of novelties in Dutch Boskoop.

Short'n'Sassy is a compact Helen's flower variety producing short stems with highly attractive bi-coloured flowers. They combine golden yellow base and orange red highlights in various depth. Flowers are produced continuously which means that the clump always has fresh flowers from late July until early autumn. Plants grown in full sun make stems of only about 40 cm, those from partial shade are some 20 cm taller. Leaves are soft green, lanceolate, and appear along the stems as well as near the ground.

Sneezeweed will grow in almost soil type but prefers fertile, reasonably drained but constantly moist soil and full sun. It hates drought. It is recommended to divide every 2-4 years to encourage new roots and young plants. All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if eaten. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 29-08-2019