Sneezeweed, or Helenium autumnale, is a native plant to the US and southern Canada that grows in damp meadows and woodlands. While the original flower was a simple yellow daisy-like variety, modern helenium plant varieties now come in varying shades of gold, orange, red, and brown. These flowers attract butterflies during late summer and fall. The plant has lance-shaped foliage with stiff, upright stems, and some taller cultivars may require staking. When planted in early spring, helenium plants can grow quickly to a mature size of 2 to 5 feet tall and spread to 24 inches wide. They thrive in moist, well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 7.0 and prefer full sun exposure. Heleniums are a popular choice for cottage gardens and wildflower gardens and can be paired with other moisture-loving ornamentals for the best effect. Additionally, they make excellent cut flowers that can be used to create seasonal bouquets with sunflowers, asters, or sedum. These plants are also resistant to deer browsing, so they are a good fit for naturalized areas that need to accommodate wildlife.
