The Heliopsis genus (also known as ox-eye daisy and false sunflower) is native to North America and often admired by horticulture buffs for its showy petals. The plants also attract birds and pollinators. Its perennial growth cycle, and low maintenance requirements lend easily to landscape mass plantings. The genus can also be used as cut flowers. For many species, blooming occurs mostly from summer through autumn. As with other plants in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, clusters of achenes (fruit) replace flowers once the blooming season is over.

The ‘Burning Hearts’ variety was originally bred in Germany and is tolerant of a wide range of Hardiness Zones (3 to 9). One benefit growers also like about Heliopsis is that deer and rabbits tend to not feed on them as much as other plants. Easily established in a sunny area with moist well-drained soil, deadheading this variety will extend the blooming season.

Photo credits: K. A. Rawlins, UGA, Bugwood.org; B. Clark, JC Raulston Arboretum, NCSU

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