Helenium 'Siesta'

Most heleniums are garden giants and they spread – so you need a fair amount of space for them. The beautiful Helenium 'Siesta', however, reaches just 50-70cm or so, and is perfect for mid-way—or even at the front—of a bed or border. You can also grow it in patio pots and containers, and it will be at its absolute best in full sun. 'Siesta' is one of a number of heleniums (also known as sneezeweed) in a series known as the Mariachi Series, named because their colours reflect the hot sunshine of Mexico and Central America. Helenium 'Siesta' is a compact, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with dense, oblong, dark green leaves. From late summer into autumn, upright stems carrying ruby-red, daisy-like flowers. The petals are uniquely notched, are yellow at the tips, and there is a dark chocolate button or cone in the centre of each bloom. The flowers of Helenium autumnale 'Siesta' are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators and, even better, the blooms may be cut for indoor decoration, where they last well in water to give that extra period of pleasure.