Sneezeweed Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty'
ABOUT
Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty', commonly known as sneezeweed, is a perennial plant known for its distinctive late summer to fall blooming flowers. The blossoms of this plant have a unique appearance with daisy-like flower heads that display a warm palette of color. Each flower has a central cone, typically brown to maroon in color, surrounded by petals that can range from deep orange to a reddish-brown, creating a rich and vibrant display. The petals themselves are elongated, often drooping slightly, and arranged in a somewhat ragged, overlapping fashion around the central cone. This characteristic gives the flowers a relaxed yet striking appearance. The foliage of the sneezeweed is also notable, composed of lance-shaped leaves that are medium green in color and can have serrated edges. The leaves are attached to stems that are sturdy and upright. Overall, the striking flowers of the Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty', coupled with its lush foliage, make it a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a touch of dramatic late-season color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sneezeweed, Helen's Flower, Autumn Lark, Moerheim Beauty
Common names
Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
Sneezeweed is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it can cause a negative reaction if ingested in large quantities. The signs of poisoning may include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin may sometimes cause irritation or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. It is generally advised to avoid ingesting this plant and to handle it with care if you have sensitive skin.
To pets
Sneezeweed may also cause mild to moderate toxicity in pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a possible dermatitis if there is skin contact. While it is not one of the most toxic plants for pets, it is still advisable to prevent your pets from eating Sneezeweed. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, you should contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red-orange
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Color Display: Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty', commonly known as Sneezeweed, produces rich copper-red flowers with a prominent central cone, adding a warm, late-summer to fall bloom to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its bright blooms attract butterflies and bees, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: Sneezeweed has a lengthy blooming season, providing color and interest for extended periods, often from midsummer to fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for dryer climates or water-wise gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is generally easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care once it is established in the right conditions.
- Cut Flower Use: The long stems and vibrant flowers of Sneezeweed make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers offer nectar and pollen for insects, while the seeds can provide food for birds in the winter.
- Border Plant: With its upright form and striking flowers, it is an ideal choice for perennial borders or as a backdrop in garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The dried flower heads of Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' can be used in autumn wreaths and dried floral arrangements, adding a touch of vibrant color and texture.
- Its robust stems and long-lasting blossoms make it a dependable plant for creating natural borders and barriers in a garden setting.
- The dried seeds of the Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' can be used as a food source for birds in the autumn and winter months when food is scarce.
- This plant can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach pollination biology, as it is attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Photographers and artists may use the vibrant and textured landscape created by mass plantings of Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' as a backdrop for their work.
- Culinary uses are not common for this plant, but the petals could potentially be used as a natural food coloring agent to impart orange or red hues in creative dishes.
- Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' can be part of a rain garden due to its ability to tolerate moist soil conditions, which can aid in stormwater management.
- This plant could play a role in companion planting strategies, possibly deterring certain pests with its strong scent or by attracting beneficial insects that are natural pest predators.
- When used in large public plantings, Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' can contribute to heat island mitigation by providing shade and aiding in cooling through transpiration.
- In xeriscaping, Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' can be utilized for its drought-resistant qualities once established, thus conserving water in arid regions or during water restrictions.
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 and Mourning: Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty', commonly known as sneezeweed, often symbolizes grief and mourning due to its historical use in remedies for colds and illnesses, representing the trials and tribulations one may encounter in life.
- Healing: The sneezeweed is also associated with healing, acknowledging the plant's medicinal uses and its ability to signify recovery from emotional or physical distress.
- Protection: Through its tough nature and resilience, the sneezeweed symbolizes protection, suggesting a safeguard against negative forces and illnesses.
WaterSneezeweed should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, particularly during its first growing season. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In the absence of rainfall, water the plant with about 1 inch of water per week, which is roughly equivalent to 0.623 gallons per square foot. Adjust the frequency based on weather conditions, watering more often during hot, dry periods and reducing it during cooler, wetter times. Ensure the water is applied directly to the base of the plant to minimize wetting the foliage, which can help prevent disease.
LightSneezeweed thrives in full sun where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for Sneezeweed is in an open area free from taller plants that might shade it during the day. These plants can tolerate some light afternoon shade in extremely hot climates, but less light may reduce blooming and can cause them to grow leggy.
TemperatureSneezeweed is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures that don't exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions are moderate, avoiding the extremes of either hot or cold weather.
PruningSneezeweed benefits from pruning to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead regularly during the blooming season to encourage new flowers. After the first frost, cut the stems back to about 2-3 inches above the ground. Additionally, in late winter or early spring, you can prune Sneezeweed to remove any dead or damaged foliage, which helps stimulate healthy new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSneezeweed 'Moerheim Beauty' thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix, combine garden soil with compost and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage. Regularly adding mulch can help maintain soil moisture and nutrient levels.
RepottingSneezeweed 'Moerheim Beauty' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and is best done only when the plant has outgrown its current container or every 2-3 years. Ensure any new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil which can lead to root rot.
Humidity & MistingSneezeweed 'Moerheim Beauty' does well in average garden humidity levels and doesn't require specific humidity conditions to thrive. However, they prefer a moderately humid environment that mimics their native habitat alongside wet meadows and streams.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sneezeweed 'Moerheim Beauty' near a sunny window and avoid dry air.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHelenium 'Moerheim Beauty', commonly known as Sneezeweed, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in early spring, requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings then develop into young plants with a basal rosette of leaves before sending up flower stalks in the late spring to early summer. During the summer months, the plant undergoes a flowering period where reddish-brown to orange flowers with a distinctive raised center cone bloom, attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed in late summer to fall, completing the reproductive cycle. In the autumn, the above-ground parts of Sneezeweed die back after the first frost, but the plant's root system remains alive, making it a herbaceous perennial. It overwinters in this dormant state and regrows from the same roots in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Autumn
Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty', also known as Sneezeweed, is commonly propagated by division, which is best done in the spring. To initiate the division process, carefully dig up the clump of the plant once new growth appears and use a sharp shovel or knife to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new piece has at least one growth shoot or bud. After division, each section should be replanted promptly at the same depth it was growing before and watered well to help establish the new plants. This method allows for the quick expansion of the garden display and also rejuvenates older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous.
