Heliopsis – Bleeding Hearts – A Unique, Long-Blooming False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides, Bleeding Hearts is a striking, bicolor perennial sunflower known for its deep red-orange petals that fade into golden yellow. This long-blooming, drought-tolerant native cultivar provides bold color from mid-summer to fall, making it a favorite in pollinator gardens, perennial borders, and wildflower meadows.
Flowers: Daisy-like blooms, 2 to 3 inches across, with deep red-orange centers fading into golden yellow tips. Rich coppery-brown central cone, providing a strong contrast. Blooms from mid-summer to early fall (July–September). Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Height & Spread: Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Upright growth habit with strong, branching stems that rarely need staking.
Leaves: Deep green, lance-shaped leaves, with a slightly serrated edge. Rough-textured foliage, which helps deter deer and rabbits.
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, clump-forming perennial that spreads slowly. Resilient and long-lived, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Roots & Rhizomes: Fibrous root system, allowing easy division for propagation. Spreads gradually but not aggressively.
Habitat & Range: A cultivar of native False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), adapted for ornamental use. Thrives in full sun, preferring moist to moderately dry, well-drained soils. Drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for tough landscapes.
Wildlife Benefits: Nectar-rich flowers support butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Seeds provide food for songbirds in fall and winter. Deer-resistant due to its coarse-textured foliage.
Bicolor Petals for Extra Drama: Unlike traditional False Sunflowers, ‘Bleeding Hearts’ has a deep red-orange center that fades into golden yellow, creating a dramatic, eye-catching effect.
Extended Blooming Season: Blooms continuously for months, making it a low-maintenance, high-impact plant.
Native Toughness with a Cultivated Twist: Retains the hardiness and resilience of native Heliopsis helianthoides but with enhanced flower color and longer bloom time.
Growing Heliopsis, Bleeding Hearts: Best for pollinator gardens, sunny borders, and meadow plantings. Thrives in full sun, requiring moderately dry to moist, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming or leave seed heads for birds. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and promote new growth.
