Helenium Short ‘n’ Sassy

Description

Helenium ‘Short ‘n’ Sassy’ – dwarf sneezeweed

Botanical name: Helenium ‘Short ‘n’ Sassy’
Common names: Helenium, sneezeweed
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 40–50cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Lance-shaped green leaves on strong upright stems; deciduous
Flowers: Masses of golden-orange daisy flowers with red-flushed bases around a dark brown cone, on a compact plant, from midsummer into autumn (July–September)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, reliably moist but well-drained; dislikes drying out; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 3–8
Exposure: Open, sunny
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to North America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; may cause stomach upset if eaten, and the foliage can irritate skin

Helenium ‘Short ‘n’ Sassy’ is a compact, dwarf sneezeweed smothered in golden-orange daisies from midsummer into autumn. Neat, needing no staking, and superb for smaller borders and pots.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the great plants of the late-summer border, helenium carries masses of warm, fiery daisy flowers — in rich shades of gold, copper, orange and mahogany — each with a prominent, velvety domed central cone, from midsummer well into autumn. Upright, sturdy and generous, it brings glowing hot colour just as the garden begins to fade, and its flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in fertile, reliably moist but well-drained soil in full sun — heleniums are hungry, thirsty plants that dislike drying out, which causes them to wilt, mildew and flower poorly. Improve the soil with compost. Space about 45–60cm apart. Water in dry spells.

Care & maintenance

Water and feed well; keep the soil from drying out. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Taller sorts may need support, or can be given the ‘Chelsea chop’ — cutting back by a third in late spring — for sturdier, bushier, self-supporting growth and slightly later flowers. Leave the seedheads for birds and winter structure, then cut back in late winter. Lift and divide every two to three years in spring to keep clumps vigorous.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.
• Cuttings: Take basal cuttings in spring.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in moist, fertile soil. Its main dislike is drought, which causes wilting and powdery mildew. Slugs may graze the young spring growth. Dividing regularly keeps clumps healthy and free-flowering.

Uses in the garden

Superb in late-summer, prairie-style, hot-coloured and wildlife borders, where its glowing daisies bring fiery colour from midsummer into autumn among grasses and other late perennials; excellent for cutting.

Wildlife value

One of the very best plants for late-season pollinators: the flowers are hugely attractive to bees and butterflies from midsummer into autumn, and the seedheads feed birds.

Toxicity & safety

Helenium has a low level of toxicity: it may cause stomach upset if eaten, and the foliage can cause skin irritation in sensitive people. Wear gloves when cutting it back, and discourage children and pets from eating it.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Short ‘n’ Sassy’ gives you all the fiery late colour of a helenium on a compact, self-supporting plant that never needs staking — ideal for a smaller border or a large pot. It’s smothered in golden-orange daisies from midsummer into autumn. Keep it fed and reliably moist, as heleniums hate to dry out, and divide it every couple of springs.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here