Product Description
Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey' PPAF CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: False Sunflower
'Bit of Honey' is the first variegated Heliopsis for Proven Winners® Perennials. Leaves appear white with deep green veining on a low, dense habit; perfect in the middle of the border or as a stand-alone plant. This variety blooms in midsummer, lasting into early fall. The flowers have above average size for a Heliopsis at 3-3½" wide and are fully semi-double with multiple rows of golden yellow petals surrounding gold cones.
Compared to 'Tuscan Sun' and Tuscan Gold™, this variety is more compact. Like other variegated Heliopsis, 'Bit of Honey' is hardy to zone 4.
Heliopsis have traditionally been an excellent tall perennial for the middle or back of the flower border. It has a bushy, well-branched form and glossy, deep green, triangular leaves - a real workhorse in the garden! Use this plant in combination containers, as a cut flower, or to attract butterflies to your garden.
Heliopsis can be grown in either full sun or part shade, but it performs much better in full sun. Soil of average fertility is preferable. When grown in moist, rich soil, it tends to need staking. Growth will be strongest in soil with average fertility and moisture.
Deadheading spent flower heads will extend the flowering time and prevent self-seeding.
Height: 24.0-28.0 Inches
Spread: 26.0-30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Yellow Shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average Water Needs
Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Specimen
The Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey', also known as the false sunflower, is a charming perennial with a long bloom season, extending from mid-summer well into late summer . This North American native is the first variegated Heliopsis for Proven Winners® Perennials . It boasts vibrant, semi-double golden-yellow flowers with multiple rows of petals surrounding golden cones at their centers . The flowers are 3-3½ inches wide, which is larger than those of many other Heliopsis varieties . The 'Bit of Honey' False Sunflower is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it a great choice for any gardener.
Characteristics The 'Bit of Honey' False Sunflower is a compact and colorful plant with attractive foliage that appears white with deep green veining . It is heat tolerant and will tolerate somewhat dry soils . It typically grows to be 24-28 inches in height with a similar spread . The mounded, upright growth habit has a full and dense appearance, making it a nice addition to a bed or border . It is hardy to zone 4 . One of the most appealing features of this cultivar is its long bloom season, which provides continuous color in the garden for an extended period compared to many other perennials.
- Botanical Name: Heliopsis helianthoides
- Common Name: False Sunflower
- Flower Color: Golden Yellow
- Flower Size:3-3½ inches
- Foliage Color: White with deep green veining
- Height:24-28 inches
- Spread:26-30 inches
- Hardiness Zone:4
- Potential Uses The Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey' has a variety of potential uses, including:
Landscaping This versatile plant can be used in various settings, including:
- Borders: Use it to add height and color to perennial borders.
- Cottage Gardens: Its cheerful flowers blend well with other cottage garden favorites like coneflowers, yarrow, and salvia.
- Meadow Gardens: It can be incorporated into meadow gardens to provide a burst of color and attract pollinators.
- Naturalistic Plantings: Its adaptability to various conditions makes it suitable for naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens.
- Rain Gardens: It is a valuable addition to rain gardens.
- Mass Plantings: Plant en masse for a striking display of golden yellow flowers.
- Specimen Plant: Use as a focal point in garden beds or mixed borders to draw attention with its bright blooms and interesting foliage.
Container Plant The 'Bit of Honey' False Sunflower thrives in containers, providing height and vibrancy to patios or decks.
Cut Flowers The blooms can be used in floral arrangements.
Pollinator attractor The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Companion Plants When planning your garden, consider these companion plants that pair well with Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey':
- Bluebird
- Raydon's Favorite
- Firework
- Standing Ovation
Additionally, the following plants are recommended as companions:
- Agastache 'Queen Nectarine'
- Festuca 'Blue Whiskers'
- Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace'
- Phlox 'Opening Act Pink-a-Dot'
- Sedum 'Bright Idea'
- Veronica 'Ever After'
Growing and Caring for Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey'
Planting The ideal time to plant Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey' is in the spring or fall. To plant:
- Choose a location that receives part sun to full sun, providing at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day . While it can tolerate some shade, it performs best in full sun.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained with average fertility and a pH level that is either acidic or neutral.
- Space plants 26 to 30 inches apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Care Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey' is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for . Here are some care tips:
- Watering: Once established, the plant is relatively drought tolerant . Water occasionally, especially during periods of extreme heat or if planted in containers . Avoid overwatering.
- Fertilizing: It is not a heavy feeder . If grown in poor soil, it will benefit from a slow-release fertilizer each spring . For container-grown plants, regular fertilization throughout the growing season can enhance performance.
- Deadheading: Removing spent blooms may encourage additional blooming, but it is not strictly necessary for a prolonged bloom season.
- Pruning: Cut back stems in late fall or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance . You can also pinch the plants two weeks after transplanting to increase lateral branching.
- Staking: Taller varieties may need staking to prevent flopping, especially in windy locations.
- Mulching: Apply winter mulch to reduce heaving that can occur with perennials from freeze/thaw cycles during winter.
The Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey' stands out as an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a vibrant and low-maintenance perennial. Its unique variegated foliage, combined with its cheerful golden-yellow flowers and extended bloom season, makes it a captivating addition to any garden. Whether used in borders, mass plantings, or containers, this adaptable plant thrives in a variety of settings and contributes to a thriving garden ecosystem by attracting pollinators and providing valuable resources for wildlife. With its ease of care and versatility, the Heliopsis 'Bit of Honey' aligns perfectly with current gardening trends that emphasize pollinator-friendly and low-maintenance landscaping. Its resilience and beauty make it a true gem that will bring lasting enjoyment to gardeners of all levels.
Mature field grown plants shipped bare root.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
