Product Description
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: False Sunflower, Sunflower Heliopsis
Prized as the first seed strain of Heliopsis without yellow on its flowers, this blooms from July until frost. The new flowers emerge intense orange red and mature to golden orange with red centers. Deep green leaves with bronze highlights and black flower stems complete the look. A taller plant suitable to the middle or back of the border. From Jelitto.
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: 36.0-40.0 Inches
Spread: 36.0-40.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Gold/Orange Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
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
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts', also known as 'Bleeding Hearts' false sunflower, is a cultivar (a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding) of the smooth oxeye. This striking perennial is prized for its vibrant blooms and dark foliage. It was introduced to the market by Jelitto Perennial Seeds in 2018 as the first seed-grown cultivar of smooth oxeye with no yellow in its petals.
Description This cultivar typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet and features large, daisy-like flowers that emerge a fiery red. As the flower matures, the ray petals develop orange-red tips, creating a halo around the red center, and eventually fade to bronze. The cones are dark burgundy with yellow centers. The flowers sit atop long, slender stems that are almost black, and the rounded triangular leaves are deep green to purple-black. The contrast between the warm hues of the flowers and the dark foliage creates a captivating display in the garden. The genus name Heliopsis comes from the Greek words helios meaning the sun and opsis meaning resembling, in allusion to the rayed yellow flower heads of some species in the genus.
- Bloom Colors: Red, Red Orange
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Rabbit Resistant: Yes
- Season of Interest (Foliage): Summer, Fall
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Foliage Color: Purple
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Soil Moisture Preference: Dry, Moist/Well-Drained, Average
- Salt Tolerance: High
- Hardiness Zone:3-9
Care and Cultivation This perennial is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including loamy and clay soils. It does best with full sun, moist soils, good drainage, and average fertility. However, it will tolerate dry periods, clayey soils, and less-than-perfect conditions. If grown in richer, fertile soils or too much shade, it may need staking. It is a beautiful garden perennial for dry sites.
'Bleeding Hearts' benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods, and it is generally drought-tolerant once established. To encourage continuous blooming, deadheading spent flowers is recommended. It can be divided in the spring or fall to rejuvenate the plant and control its size. To encourage more blooms and a shorter height, trim 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant in mid-May.
This cultivar can be propagated by seed in fall or early spring. Large clumps can be divided, but it is fairly difficult. It can also be propagated by basal cuttings in spring.
Ecological Benefits 'Bleeding Hearts' false sunflower provides several ecological benefits, particularly as a pollinator-friendly plant. The bright and nectar-rich blooms attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall health of the garden ecosystem. The extended blooming period ensures a consistent food source for these beneficial insects. Additionally, the plant's sturdy structure and height offer shelter and resting places for small birds.
Uses This cultivar is a valuable addition to the landscape with its profusion of cheerful blossoms over a long season. It is an excellent choice for the perennial border, where the dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme. It is also perfectly suited to cottage gardens, rock gardens, or containers. As a pollinator-friendly plant, 'Bleeding Hearts' attracts beneficial insects and butterflies to the garden, making it a great addition to butterfly gardens and pollinator gardens. Its deer resistance and drought tolerance make it suitable for deer-resistant plantings and water-wise landscapes. The long-lasting blooms also make good cut flowers for arrangements.
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts' is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that is a great addition to any garden. With its vibrant red and orange flowers that mature to bronze and dark foliage, it is sure to be a showstopper. It was introduced to the market by Jelitto Perennial Seeds in 2018 as the first seed-grown cultivar of smooth oxeye with no yellow in its petals. This unique quality, combined with its adaptability to a wide range of soil types and conditions, makes 'Bleeding Hearts' a versatile and resilient choice for gardeners of all levels. It is also a great choice for attracting pollinators to your garden and providing shelter for small birds. Whether used in a cottage garden, rock garden, perennial border, or container, 'Bleeding Hearts' is sure to add a touch of fiery beauty to any landscape.
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!
