Family: Asteraceae

These hardy, North American perennials make a bright display in garden borders and produce excellent cut flowers. The bright yellow, dahlia-like flowers, up to 8 cm (3 in) wide, contrast with the opposite, mid to dark green leaves.

Species

H. helianthoides, to 1.5 m (5 ft), has rich gold flowers in summer. It is classed as perennial, but is often short-lived. Subsp. seabra grows to around 1 m (3 ft), with golden yellow blooms. Cultivar 'Patula', to 1.25 m (4 ft), has large, semi-double, golden orange flowers.

Cultivation

Plant in average garden soil in sun, though they will benefit from added humus. Water in dry weather and feed in spring. They can be divided every three years.

Climate

Zone 4.