Sneezeweed Helenium 'Riverton Gem'
ABOUT
The Helenium 'Riverton Gem', often referred to by its common name sneezeweed, is a striking perennial with a bushy and upright growth habit. This plant is known for its vibrant flowers which bloom profusely in the late summer into fall, adding a splash of color to the garden during that time. The blossoms themselves are distinctive, featuring a prominent central cone that is surrounded by fringed petals. These petals are quite remarkable, with a color gradient that usually starts with a warm yellow at the base and transitions to a richer orange or reddish tone towards the tips. The central cone is typically a deeper shade, often brownish to purplish, adding to the visual interest of the flowers. Around this striking inflorescence, the foliage of the sneezeweed forms a lush backdrop. The leaves are typically lance-shaped with toothed edges, and they have a deep green hue that contrasts beautifully with the flowers. The arrangement of the leaves along the stem is tidy, providing a textured and full appearance overall. Given the right conditions, the sneezeweed can produce an abundance of these gorgeous blossoms, making it a very attractive plant for pollinators such as butterflies and an eye-catching addition to any fall garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sneezeweed, Helen's Flower
Common names
Helenium 'Riverton Gem'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sneezeweed, which includes the variety Helenium 'Riverton Gem', is considered to have some level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant can lead to discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect poisoning from sneezeweed, consult a medical professional for advice and treatment.
To pets
Sneezeweed, which includes the Helenium 'Riverton Gem', is also considered toxic to pets. If pets ingest parts of this plant, they could experience gastrointestinal distress with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, more serious symptoms could occur. It is important to seek veterinary assistance if you suspect your pet has ingested sneezeweed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Helenium 'Riverton Gem' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Colorful Display: It provides a vibrant splash of color with its yellow-orange flowers from late summer to fall, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garden spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Disease Resistance: This cultivar is generally resistant to many common garden diseases, ensuring a healthier plant with less need for chemical treatments.
- Long Bloom Period: It has a more extended blooming season than some other perennials, offering visual interest in the garden for a longer time.
- Easy to Grow: Helenium 'Riverton Gem' is easy to cultivate, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Wildlife Support: By providing nectar and pollen, this plant contributes to the overall ecosystem by supporting various insects and small wildlife.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, making it versatile in different garden settings.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a herbaceous perennial, it dies back in winter and returns each spring, reducing the need for replanting and providing consistent growth year after year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowers of sneezeweed can be used to produce a yellow dye for textiles, offering a natural coloring agent for fabrics.
- Crafts: Dried sneezeweed flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements, wreaths, or other decorative crafts due to their vibrant colors and sturdy structure.
- Ink Ingredient: The pigments extracted from sneezeweed can also be used to make natural inks for art or calligraphy.
- Garden Design: Sneezeweed can play a role in garden themes that require plants of a specific height or color scheme, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
- Photography: Sneezeweed's bright blossoms make it an excellent subject for photographers, especially those interested in macro photography and nature shots.
- Nectar Source: It serves as a food source for bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local pollinator populations in the garden.
- Educational Tool: Sneezeweed can be used in educational settings to teach about plant reproduction, pollination, and the lifecycle of perennial plants.
- Erosion Control: Due to its growth habit, sneezeweed can assist in stabilizing soil in areas prone to erosion.
- Companion Planting: Sneezeweed can be utilized in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that can aid in the prevention of pests in a holistic garden management approach.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, sneezeweed may be used to introduce fiery colors to a space, which are believed to bring energy and enthusiasm to an area of the home or garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sneezeweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sneezeweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sorrow and Tears - Helenium, also known as "sneezeweed," is associated with tears, as its name is derived from the Greek myth of Helen of Troy, who is often depicted with tears for the events triggered by her kidnapping.
- Healing - Despite its name suggesting otherwise, some species of helenium have been used in traditional medicine, symbolizing restoration and healing.
- Protection - The plant was historically used to make snuff that was believed to help ward off evil spirits, symbolizing protection.
WaterSneezeweed should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the growing season, watering once a week with about 1-1.5 inches of water is a good rule of thumb. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter weather, watering can be reduced. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, as Sneezeweed prefers consistent moisture. Adjust the amount and frequency of watering based on rainfall and temperature, aiming for about 1 gallon per square foot every week during peak summer months.
LightSneezeweed thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting Sneezeweed is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. These plants can tolerate some light shade but will produce the best blooms and strongest growth in full sun exposure.
TemperatureSneezeweed prefers moderate to warm temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant winter period, while in the growing season, a range between 50 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant, necessitating additional water to keep the soil cool and moist.
PruningSneezeweed benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. In late winter or early spring, cutting back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground can invigorate new growth. Pruning may also be done for shaping or to maintain the desired size of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSneezeweed 'Riverton Gem' thrives in a rich, moist, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. A good soil recipe would be a mix of garden soil, compost, and peat or leaf mold to retain moisture. Additionally, you might want to add perlite or vermiculite to improve the drainage.
RepottingSneezeweed 'Riverton Gem' is usually grown as a perennial in the garden and does not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and give roots more room to grow.
Humidity & MistingSneezeweed 'Riverton Gem' is not particularly humidity-sensitive and can do well in the average outdoor humidity range found in most growing regions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, moist soil, mulch, and regular deadheading.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleHelenium 'Riverton Gem', commonly known as sneezeweed, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in spring when soil temperatures warm up. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, with characteristic foliage and sturdy stems. During the growth phase, it goes through vegetative growth, producing a robust clump of leaves at the base. As the plant matures, flower buds form and bloom in late summer to fall, showcasing vibrant yellow to orange-red petals with a distinctive raised center cone. After the flowering stage, pollination occurs, involving insects like bees and butterflies, which leads to the production of seeds. The plant eventually enters dormancy in the winter, with the aerial parts dying back, while the roots survive underground, ready to regenerate in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
Helenium 'Riverton Gem', commonly known as sneezeweed, is most effectively propagated through division. The best time to divide this perennial is in the early spring or fall. To propagate via division, carefully dig up an established clump, making sure to maintain a good portion of the root structure. Once excavated from the ground, use a sharp knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one or two growth points or shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to establish them. Division is not only the most popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness but also helps to rejuvenate older plants that may have become too large or congested.
