Sneezeweed Helenium 'Tip Top'
ABOUT
Helenium 'Tip Top', also known as sneezeweed, is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial that showcases a bounty of daisy-like flowers. The blossoms boast a captivating palette of fiery hues, including shades of yellow, orange, and red, often with radiating patterns that add to their allure. At the center of each flower sits a prominent, raised cone that is typically brown or maroon, adding a striking contrast to the colorful petals which are arranged around it like a frilly collar. This cone gives the sneezeweed an additional touch of visual interest and texture. The leaves of the Helenium 'Tip Top' are dark green, narrow, and lance-shaped, providing a lush backdrop that highlights the dazzling display of blooms. These leaves are arranged alternately along the upright stems, lending a coarse texture to the plant's overall appearance. The foliage may also serve the practical purpose of offering a degree of shade to the soil, thus helping to retain moisture around the plant's base. The sneezeweed typically blooms from late summer into fall, bringing with it a surge of late-season color to the garden. Its showy flowers are not only eye-catching but they are also a magnet for pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Overall, Helenium 'Tip Top' is a plant characterized by its prolific flowering and the cheerful, warm tones of its blooms, which make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to infuse their landscapes with color, texture, and a touch of autumnal charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sneezeweed, Helen's Flower, Autumn Sneezeweed
Common names
Helenium 'Tip Top'
ToxicityTo humans
Sneezeweed, including the 'Tip Top' variety, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it can cause mild irritation when handled, due to its natural chemicals. If ingested, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Although not usually severe, it is still recommended to avoid consuming any part of the plant and always wash your hands after handling it to prevent any possible irritation.
To pets
Sneezeweed is also considered of low toxicity to pets, but ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, similar to humans. Symptoms may include drooling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if pets consume parts of the plant. It is important to prevent pets from eating sneezeweed, as symptoms can cause discomfort and distress. If you suspect your pet has ingested a substantial quantity, it is always wise to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Helenium 'Tip Top' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are crucial for pollination.
- Easy to grow: It is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a range of conditions and is relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Long blooming season: This plant offers a long flowering period, usually from late summer to autumn, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Drought resistant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Adds color and texture: With its vibrant yellow, red, and orange flowers and sturdy stems, it adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Supports biodiversity: By providing nectar and pollen, it helps support local biodiversity and the ecosystem.
- Natural pest control: It can help naturally control pests by attracting predatory and parasitic insects that feed on garden pests.
- Combats soil erosion: As a perennial with a good root system, it can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Resistant to deer and rabbits: Its qualities make it unappealing to deer and rabbits, which helps reduce damage to gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Helenium 'Tip Top', commonly known as sneezeweed, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a range of yellow and green hues depending on the mordant used.
- Insectary plantings of sneezeweed can support beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs that help control pest populations in gardens.
- Due to their sturdy stems, sneezeweed can be incorporated into natural and rustic floral arrangements for events and home decoration.
- The dried seed heads of sneezeweed can be used in crafts and as a part of dried flower arrangements for a unique textural element.
- Sneezeweed can be planted as part of a rain garden design to help reduce water runoff and improve water quality.
- Beekeepers sometimes plant sneezeweed in close proximity to hives as they provide a late season pollen source for bees.
- Sneezeweed can be used in educational gardens to demonstrate the concept of pollinator-friendly planting to students and visitors.
- The vibrant flowers of sneezeweed can be used to make natural confetti for festivals or eco-friendly celebrations.
- Sneezeweed can be used to create a natural border or fence line that changes with the seasons, offering privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- As part of a wildlife garden, sneezeweed can attract birds that feed on the seeds, offering a natural way to enjoy bird watching.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sneezeweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sneezeweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: The Helenium 'Tip Top', also known as Sneezeweed, tends to bloom late in the summer and into the fall, symbolizing endurance and the ability to persist through changing seasons.
- Grief: According to folklore, the plant is named after Helen of Troy, and its growth represents the tears she shed, thus it is often linked to expressions of sorrow.
- Protection: In the past, Sneezeweed was dried and used as snuff to cause sneezing, which was believed to expel evil spirits from the body, hence representing a ward against negative forces.
WaterThe Common Sneezeweed should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 inch of water, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to maintain consistent moisture. It's important to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightSneezeweed thrives in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant is in an open area with unobstructed sunlight, ensuring it gets the full benefit of the sun's rays for robust growth and vibrant blooms. If grown in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureSneezeweed prefers warm environments and can tolerate temperatures ranging from about 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. It can survive short periods of cooler weather down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be detrimental.
PruningPrune Sneezeweed to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the flowering season to encourage continuous blooming. In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, cut back the entire plant to 4 to 6 inches to maintain shape and vitality. This annual pruning ensures healthier plants and more abundant flowers during the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHelenium 'Tip Top', or Sneezeweed, prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7. A good soil mix would be a blend of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to enhance drainage. Regular enrichment with organic material will help maintain the soil's fertility and structure, ensuring healthy growth.
RepottingSneezeweed does not typically require frequent repotting, as it's often grown as a perennial outdoor plant. Repotting may be necessary every 3 to 4 years if grown in containers to refresh the soil and accommodate the plant's growth. Divide if necessary in spring or fall for garden plants.
Humidity & MistingSneezeweed thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require specific humidity adjustments, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor garden settings. Consistent with the needs of many garden perennials, it is adaptable to the natural fluctuation of humidity levels found in its hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in a sunny spot and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, water regularly, and deadhead.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHelenium 'Tip Top', commonly known as Sneezeweed, starts its life cycle as a seed which, when sown in early spring under appropriate conditions, will germinate within a few weeks. Following germination, the seedling will go through a vegetative stage, developing a root system and foliage. During this period, watering and proper care are vital for establishing a strong plant. In late spring to summer, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing bright, daisy-like flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds will develop and disperse, ready to start a new cycle, usually in the fall. In winter, Sneezeweed dies back to the ground, with the roots remaining dormant until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Autumn
The most popular method of propagation for the Helenium 'Tip Top', commonly known as Sneezeweed, is by division. This is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clumps of the Sneezeweed, trying to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow enough room for growth. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. Dividing the plants every few years also helps to rejuvenate them and encourage more vibrant flowering.
