Helenium 'FEUERSIEGEL'

Helen’s flower (sneezeweed) is an attractive herbaceous perennial for summer and autumn borders. Newer cultivars are selected for extended blooming time or different colour play, and often also for shorter growth because sneezeweed is originally a tall plant.

I reckon that Feuersiegel is too complicated a name for anyone outside the German speaking world, however, since it lacks an English (simplified) name we have to do our best to at least try. It sounds something like [foyer-seagull]. It is a beautiful Helen’s flower variety which was introduced in 1959 by German nurseryman and horticultural philosopher Karl Foerster (1874-1970 – yes, he reached nearly 100 years).

The name refers to fire and lightning which is exactly what you can see when looking at its flowers. Their ray florets are glowing golden yellow with irregular fiery red mottling, surrounding yellow and brown, cone-like, melliferous discs. Flowers are borne atop one to one and a half meter tall, sturdy stems from mid August until October. 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 24-10-2021