Ballerina False Sunflower

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Ballerina'

(hee-lee-OP-sis) (hee-lee-an-THOY-dees)

Synonyms: Rough Heliopsis, Orange Sunflower

This flower was featured here several years ago and this shot is from the same patch this year. That makes it a true perennial for gardens around here. With a slightly coarse and rambling appearance this plant has been a stalwart in the border. It has deep yellow golden color that can appear almost metallic in the right light. At a height of 2-3 feet it works well in the middle of the border or the back.

Ballerina False Sunflower

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Ballerina'

(hee-lee-OP-sis) (hee-lee-an-THOY-dees)

Synonyms: Rough Heliopsis, Orange Sunflower

This seems to be a really nice cultivar of False Sunflower. We haven’t tried growing it but I love having the regular species in the garden. It is one of the last perennials to have a really solid bloom this time of the year. Our patch of Heliopsis has begun to spread but hasn’t warranted control yet. The plants have a nice way of growing around and through things without being annoying.

I know its Monday but I wanted to add a nice flower as a thank you to all the people that have been following and commenting on this blog. You can see it is a beautiful fancy Dahlia that could have easily earned a post of its own.

Laciniated Dahlia ‘Hannah Baker’

                         

False Sunflower

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Summer Nights'

(hee-lee-OP-sis)

Synonyms: Rough Heliopsis, Orange Sunflower

This plant seems to be a very reliable mid and late summer perennial. It has returned for several years and has increased in a way that is manageable. I often forget about it until it bursts out in bloom during a time when almost nothing else is. The deer have pretty much let it alone and that is another big plus. This is a tall perennial that can reach up to 5 feet. I have noticed that the weather can cause it to get a little floppy but it seems to throw it off and just keep blooming in a compressed state. The stems are a nice burgundy color, which is an added bonus.

Loraine Sunshine False Sunflower

False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Loraine Sunshine'

(hee-lee-OP-sis)

Synonyms: Ox-eye, Heliopsis minor

This plant has a beautiful flower but I can’t get by its unique white and yellow veined variegated foliage. It often looks sick and even as lover of variegated leaves it is too much for me. Other than that it is a strong growing perennial that doesn’t need much care. 'Loraine Sunshine' reaches about 2 feet tall and is extremely hardy (USDA Zone 3). Red Aphids can be a problem during the season but can usually be controlled organically with a combination of insecticidal soap and a strong jet of water from the hose. Heliopsis can withstand tough conditions in the garden and once established is drought tolerant.

Wow, what a difference a day makes. After getting a couple of inches of warm rain the tables have turned today. Cold and windy is the forecast and it is true (as I found out walking the dogs this morning).

False Sunflower

False Sunflower
Heliopsis
(hee-lee-OP-sis)

Summer Nights False Sunflower

False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Summer Nights'
(hee-lee-OP-sis)
Synonyms: Rough Heliopsis, Orange Sunflower

This flower seems to have a lot of different monikers. It really has a bold color and the flowers are nicely sized. It is not nearly as big as a traditional sunflower but the proportions seem about right. ‘Summer Nights’ does get a little tall and can flop but a couple of well timed pinches can help with that. The leaves and stems in the spring come out with a nice purplish tint. This photo was taken last week when the temperature was about 100 degrees F. A true summer flower the Heliopsis didn’t seem to mind.

I have a big day planned as we are heading down to Manhattan to do some planting and then to Pound Ridge. I have said a little prayer to the parking god to ease me in this morning. It has cooled down somewhat, which is very agreeable.