Sneezeweed Helenium 'Butterpat'
ABOUT
Helenium 'Butterpat' is a vibrant, eye-catching perennial that is cherished for its showy blooms. Its flowers are a standout feature, characterized by rich, golden yellow petals that radiate from a central disc. The petals have a slightly droopy, relaxed texture, giving the appearance of a ruffled skirt, while the central cone is typically a deeper shade of yellow to brown, adding contrast and depth to the flower structure. The foliage of Helenium 'Butterpat' is composed of narrow, ovate leaves that are a bright green color, providing a lush backdrop for the sunny yellow blossoms. The leaves line the stems in an alternating pattern and serve to highlight the numerous flower heads that tend to bloom profusely throughout the late summer to fall months. The overall impression of the Helenium 'Butterpat' is one of an abundantly flowering plant that lends a warm, cheerful presence to garden spaces with its golden hues and charming flower form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Helen's Flower, Sneezeweed
Common names
Helenium 'Butterpat'
ToxicityTo humans
The Helenium 'Butterpat', commonly known as sneezeweed, is not generally considered highly toxic to humans. However, it does contain compounds that can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, sneezeweed could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant might lead to skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is advisable not to consume any part of the plant and to practice caution while handling it, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
To pets
Sneezeweed is not commonly listed as a highly toxic plant to pets. However, as with humans, the ingestion of sneezeweed by pets might lead to gastrointestinal upset with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. While it is not considered severely poisonous, it is still best to prevent your pets from eating any parts of the plant. If ingestion occurs and adverse symptoms are noted, consulting a veterinarian is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Helenium 'Butterpat' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are crucial for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright yellow flowers, Helenium 'Butterpat' adds vibrant color to gardens and landscapes from mid-summer to fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Helenium 'Butterpat' can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise gardening.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and general upkeep once it is established in the appropriate conditions.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer browsing can be a problem for gardeners.
- Soil Adaptability: Helenium 'Butterpat' can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, it is quite adaptable.
- Late Season Color: Offering bright blooms late into the growing season, it helps to extend the visual interest in a garden after many other plants have finished flowering.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other late-season perennials, providing a complementary backdrop or contrast in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Helenium 'Butterpat' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imbuing them with a range of warm, yellow tones.
- The dried flower heads of the Sneezeweed can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding color and texture to the blend.
- Dried Sneezeweed stems can be used in arts and crafts for creating rustic wreaths and floral arrangements.
- Helenium 'Butterpat' can be planted in outdoor areas to deter deer, as the plant is not typically favored by deer populations.
- The plant can serve as a tool for teaching about pollination and native plant gardening, due to its appeal to butterflies and bees.
- Sneezeweed's bright flowers can be used as a natural color guide for designers and artists looking for seasonal color inspiration.
- Photographers can utilize the beauty of the Sneezeweed as a photogenic subject in garden and nature photography.
- These flowers can be used to create a natural insect habitat, supporting a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
- Use the cut flowers of Sneezeweed in school projects or children’s educational games to help identify parts of a flower.
- The plant can act as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and helping maintain soil moisture when planted densely.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sneezeweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sneezeweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grief: Helenium 'Butterpat', also known as Sneezeweed, is named after Helen of Troy, and the legend says these flowers sprung from where her tears fell, symbolizing grief or sorrow.
- Healing: Historically used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, Sneezeweed is associated with healing and the restoration of health.
- Persistence: As a plant that thrives in tough conditions and blooms brightly, Sneezeweed can represent persistence and the ability to cope with life’s challenges.
- Protection: Folklore suggests that Sneezeweed was used to ward off negative energies, and hence it can symbolize protection.
WaterSneezeweed should be watered deeply but infrequently, promoting the development of a strong root system. During the growing season, provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, depending on the weather conditions. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water twice a week to maintain moisture levels, while during cooler, wetter times, once a week or even less frequently may suffice. Adjust the watering schedule based on rainfall, ensuring the soil doesn't become waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce watering significantly, as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
LightSneezeweed thrives best under full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An optimal spot for this plant would be in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Although it can tolerate partial shade, too little sun may result in a weaker plant with fewer blooms.
TemperatureSneezeweed prefers moderate to warm temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. It can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle summer heat well, as long as adequate moisture is provided. The ideal temperature range for Sneezeweed growth is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy development and flowering.
PruningPrune Sneezeweed in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms during the growing season, will encourage more flowers and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. Divide clumps every few years in early spring to maintain plant vigor and flower quality.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHelen's Flower, commonly known as 'Butterpat', thrives in rich, moist soil that drains well and has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix might include equal parts of garden soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite. Adding organic matter such as compost will enrich the soil and support robust growth.
RepottingHelen's Flower doesn't often need repotting as it is typically grown as a perennial in outdoor gardens. However, if grown in containers, it should be repotted when it outgrows its current pot or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingHelen's Flower prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various outdoor conditions. As long as the soil moisture is maintained, ambient humidity is generally not a concern for this hardy plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Maintain bright light and moist soil for 'Butterpat' indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Butterpat' in full sun to partial shade; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHelenium 'Butterpat', commonly known as Sneezeweed, starts its life as a seed, typically sown in early spring either indoors or directly in the garden after the frost. The seeds germinate within 1-2 weeks in warm, moist soil, giving rise to seedlings, which then develop a set of true leaves. As the plant grows, it forms a clump with upright stems and deep green foliage, entering its vegetative stage. By late summer to early fall, Sneezeweed reaches its flowering stage, with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers attracting pollinators. After blooming, it enters a phase of seed set, where the flowers develop into seed heads that can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed in the garden. Finally, as temperatures drop in late fall, the plant enters dormancy, with above-ground parts dying back and roots overwintering to emerge again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Helenium 'Butterpat', commonly known as Sneezeweed, can best be propagated through division. This method is typically done in the early spring or fall, when the plant is not in its active blooming phase. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the mature plant and gently separate the clumps by hand or with a sharp spade, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil, making sure they are planted at the same depth they were growing before. Water them well to help establish the new divisions. This technique allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of Helenium 'Butterpat' while maintaining the health and vigor of the plants.
