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Herbaceous Perennial

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

North American ox-eye 'Bleeding Hearts'

A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial to 1.2m tall, with ovate leaves, purple-flushed when young. From late summer to early autumn it bears single, red flowerheads that age to coppery orange. A good plant to attract pollinating insects and also makes a long-lasting cut flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Orange Red Green
Autumn Orange Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Heliopsis are robust perennials with stiff, erect stems; opposite, lance-shaped leaves and showy rich yellow to orange flowers similar to sunflowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigour. May require staking in exposed sites

Propagation

Propagate by seed, division, or basal cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back stems to ground level in early winter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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