Rosilla Helenium Puberulum, commonly known as "Autumn Lollipop" or Dogtooth Daisy, is a stunning perennial herb that blooms in vibrant shades of yellow and red. With its cheerful, daisy-like flowers and long-lasting color, this plant is perfect for adding warmth and beauty to your garden in the autumn months. This variety of Sneezeweed thrives in full sun and is ideal for adding height and color to borders, wildflower gardens, or meadow plantings. Each packet contains 50 high-quality seeds, ensuring you can enjoy a colorful display of these striking flowers in your garden.
Key Features:
- Bright, Bold Colors: The "Autumn Lollipop" variety produces showy flowers in shades of yellow and red, which provide a warm burst of color to any garden, especially in the late summer and autumn.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: This perennial blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing months of color in your garden. Its cheerful flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
- Hardy and Low Maintenance: This plant is easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established. It's well-suited for gardeners looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance plant.
- Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Helenium "Autumn Lollipop" is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for low-water gardens and xeriscaping.
Growing Information:
- Light: Helenium thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. It can tolerate some partial shade but will flower best with plenty of sun.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, loamy soil but can adapt to a range of soil types, including slightly acidic or neutral soils. Good drainage is essential, as it doesn’t tolerate soggy conditions.
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Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost, or directly sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
- Surface-sow the seeds, as they need light to germinate. Gently press the seeds into the soil without covering them.
- Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs in 10-14 days at temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C).
- When transplanting seedlings or planting outdoors, space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Once established, the plant is moderately drought-tolerant, but it still benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods.
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Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a longer blooming period and maintain the plant’s appearance.
- After the first frost, cut back the plant to the ground to help prepare it for the next growing season.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years to keep the plant healthy and encourage more vigorous growth.
Benefits:
- Vibrant Seasonal Color: The striking combination of yellow and red flowers adds bold color to gardens, especially during late summer and fall when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Helenium "Autumn Lollipop" requires little care, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: This variety is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a good option for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Attractive to Wildlife: Aside from pollinators, the flowers can also attract birds, particularly during the fall when the seeds become available.
Growing Zones:
- Suitable for USDA Zones 3-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates across temperate regions.
How to Use in the Garden:
- Borders and Edging: Plant Rosilla Helenium in garden borders or along pathways to add vertical interest and vibrant color. The tall flowers make a statement when planted in rows.
- Wildflower and Pollinator Gardens: Helenium is an excellent addition to wildflower meadows and pollinator gardens, where its bright flowers can attract bees and butterflies.
- Cut Flower Gardens: The long-lasting blooms make it a great choice for cut flower arrangements. Harvest the flowers to create colorful bouquets that brighten up indoor spaces.
- Autumn Garden Displays: With its fall blooming period, this plant is perfect for extending the color of your garden into autumn when many other plants have finished flowering.
Conclusion: Rosilla Helenium Puberulum "Autumn Lollipop" is a beautiful, easy-to-grow perennial that brings a burst of color to your garden in late summer and fall. With its vibrant yellow and red flowers, this plant attracts pollinators and adds texture and height to garden beds. It is hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. With 50 seeds per packet, you'll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy this cheerful herb in your garden year after year. Whether you're creating a pollinator-friendly garden or adding color to your autumn landscape, "Autumn Lollipop" is a must-have addition.