Sneezeweed Helenium 'Summer Circle'
ABOUT
Helenium 'Summer Circle', commonly known as sneezeweed, is a distinctive perennial plant that boasts a profusion of daisy-like flowers. These blossoms are characterized by their unique structure featuring a prominent, spherical central cone that is typically yellow to deep gold in color. This central dome is surrounded by drooping petals in a striking range of warm hues including yellows, oranges, reds, and sometimes with hints of brown, which can create an effect reminiscent of a summer sunset. The petals themselves are elongated, slender, and slightly ragged, adding to the plant's informal charm. Sneezeweed's foliage is medium green, with leaves that are lance-shaped and arranged neatly along upright, branching stems. The leaves provide a lush backdrop that highlights the vibrancy of the flowers. The overall appearance of sneezeweed is one of a lively, colorful display, with the flowers forming a dense cluster that adds a touch of brightness to the landscape. Its appearance has a rustic elegance, attracting butterflies and other pollinators that bring further life to the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Helen's Flower, Sneezeweed, Dogtooth Daisy
Common names
Helenium 'Summer Circle'
ToxicityTo humans
Helenium 'Summer Circle', commonly known as sneezeweed, can be toxic if ingested by humans. Symptoms of sneezeweed poisoning typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and may require medical attention. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of children who might be tempted to eat its parts.
To pets
Helenium 'Summer Circle', commonly referred to as sneezeweed, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests sneezeweed, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and a general malaise. In some instances, ingestion can cause more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or changes in heart rate, which necessitate immediate veterinary care. Pet owners should ensure that sneezeweed is not accessible to their animals to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-4 feet [91-122 cm]
Spread
2-3 feet [61-91 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Helenium 'Summer Circle', commonly known as Sneezeweed, draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Long Blooming: Provides colorful blooms from midsummer to fall, creating long-lasting visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading.
- Disease Resistant: Sneezeweed is generally resistant to many common plant diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatile Garden Use: Can be used in borders, wildflower gardens, or as cut flowers for arrangements.
- Deer Resistant: Not typically a favorite of deer, helping to prevent damage to the garden from grazing animals.
- Color Variation: Offers a range of warm-toned flowers, such as yellows, oranges, and reds, adding vibrancy to the garden palette.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Good for Mass Planting: Its clumping nature and height make it suitable for planting en masse for a dramatic display.
- Naturalizes Well: Capable of spreading and establishing itself in suitable conditions without becoming invasive.
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: Helenium can be used to extract a natural dye for fabric, with the color varying depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: The vibrant flowers of Helenium can be used as a subject in macro photography to capture details of its intricate patterns and colors.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the striking appearance of Helenium as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Garden Borders: Helenium 'Summer Circle' is suitable for creating colorful borders along garden paths or flowerbeds.
- Companion Planting: The plant can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that help in pest control.
- Edging Plants: Helenium can be used as edging plants to delineate different sections of a garden or lawn.
- Education: Helenium species can serve as an educational tool in botanic gardens to teach about perennial plant growth and care.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly used for consumption, the petals of Helenium can sometimes be used as an ornamental garnish for dishes.
- Floral Arrangements: They can be incorporated into cut flower arrangements to add height and a burst of color.
- Wildlife Habitat: Planting Helenium in gardens can create habitats for local wildlife, including bees and butterflies that are attracted to the blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sneezeweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sneezeweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Restoration: Helenium, also known as Sneezeweed, is named after Helen of Troy, which engenders a mythological link to healing and restoration due to the storied origins of the plant supposedly arising from where her tears fell.
- Protection: In some traditions, Helenium is believed to offer protection, possibly because of its historical use in herbal medicine to ward off ailments.
- Resilience: The ability of Helenium 'Summer Circle' to thrive and bloom profusely towards the end of summer and into early autumn symbolizes resilience and the capacity to endure challenging conditions.
- Good Fortune: Certain folklore traditions hold that Helenium brings good fortune, which may be tied to its vibrant and cheerful blooms that brighten gardens during late seasons.
- Sorrow: Conversely, given its association with the legend of Helen of Troy, it can also symbolize sorrow or grief, recalling the sadness associated with her story.
WaterThe Sneezeweed should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically means providing about 1 inch of water once a week. During hotter, drier periods, this may increase to twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged conditions. It is preferable to water this plant in the morning to allow for foliage to dry out, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Use mulch to help conserve moisture, but keep it away from the base to avoid rot. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightSneezeweed thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sun daily to perform well. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but flowering may be less abundant. The best spot for Sneezeweed is one where it can receive morning light and partial afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat.
TemperatureSneezeweed prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in USDA zones 3 through 8. It can handle minimum temperatures to around -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is tolerant of high summer temperatures as long as the plant is well-watered. The ideal temperature range for optimum growth would be between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Sneezeweed is essential for maintaining its shape, encouraging bushier growth, and promoting more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will encourage continued blooming throughout the season. The best time to prune back Sneezeweed is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Regularly check for and remove any dead or damaged stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSneezeweed 'Summer Circle' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, peat moss or compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to maintain moisture while avoiding waterlogging.
RepottingSneezeweed 'Summer Circle' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot or starts to crowd.
Humidity & MistingSneezeweed 'Summer Circle' prefers average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outside of its natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate temps.
Outdoor
Full sun, moist soil, divide clumps every few years.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHelenium 'Summer Circle', commonly known as Sneezeweed, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in spring, develops into a small seedling with characteristic narrow leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of foliage, from which sturdy stems rise, topped with distinctive daisy-like blooms typically during mid to late summer, showcasing yellow, orange, or red petals with a central raised cone. After the flowering period, these blooms are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of small seeds that are distributed by wind or wildlife to propagate the next generation. As autumn approaches, the plant starts to die back, with aerial parts withering away, though the root system remains alive during winter, ensuring the plant's survival. With the return of favorable conditions in the subsequent spring, Sneezeweed regrows from the overwintering roots, repeating its life cycle. If conditions are not favorable for seed production, the plant can also be propagated by division in the spring or autumn to ensure its continual growth and spread in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer-Early Autumn
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Helenium 'Summer Circle', also known as Helen's flower or sneezeweed, is by division. The best time to divide this perennial is in the early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of the plant, making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing originally, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method of propagation not only helps to proliferate new plants but can also rejuvenate older clumps that may have become less vigorous over time.
