Heliopsis is sometimes known as false sunflower. This perennial performs best in a position with full sun and a free draining soil. Heliopsis are fully hardy, clump-forming perennials with strong stems, they can do well in exposed areas but are best and easiest to maintain in sheltered borders - they work exceptionally well in massed planting schemes. Flowering from summer into autumn, they’re combine a fiery mix of colour with a nectar bounty for passing pollinators.

How to plant

• Plant Heliopsis bare roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the roots for 3-6 hours before planting, then pot up into 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots using a good quality multipurpose compost.
  
• Plant with the roots submerged and with the top of the root system just level with the soil surface. Any shoots or leaves which have emerged already should be left exposed above the soil surface.
  
• Grow them on in a sheltered area outside. New growth typically emerges within around a month of planting. They can be transplanted into suitable growing positions after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plants easily come out of the temporary pots with the soil held together by the roots.
  
• When planting into the garden, choose a position in full sun with free-draining soil.
  
• Keep space clear around the young plant, removing excess growth from neighbouring plants in the border to reduce competition.
  
• This perennial is hardy and does not require winter protection.
  
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth.

Aftercare

• In autumn, Heliopsis will die back and the plant will become dormant for winter. Cut back to around 5cm above ground level between autumn and early spring. The following spring, new growth will start to emerge.
  
• Heliopsis should be planted at a spacing of at least 20cm apart from each other when planting in groups. They take around 1-2 years to establish and don’t always flower in the first year.
  
• Heliopsis is a clump-forming perennial which grows back larger and with more stems each year. You can divide established Heliopsis clumps between autumn and early spring when needed.