Heliopsis

Heliopsis, also known as false sunflowers, bring generous colour and a relaxed, natural feel to summer borders. Their daisy-like flowers are usually golden yellow or warm yellow-orange, often with darker centres, and are carried on sturdy upright stems above fresh green foliage. The effect is cheerful without feeling garish, making Heliopsis especially useful in cottage gardens, prairie-style planting and mixed perennial borders where a strong run of colour is wanted through the middle and later part of summer.

These hardy Heliopsis perennials are easy to place in sunny borders and perform best in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Established plants are robust, long-flowering and attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators, while the upright stems also make the flowers useful for cutting. Their bold blooms combine particularly well with ornamental grasses, echinacea, rudbeckia, heleniums and other late-summer perennials, helping to create borders with rhythm, movement and plenty of life.

For UK gardens, false sunflower plants are a dependable choice for extending colour well beyond early summer. From compact varieties to taller forms, Heliopsis offers an easy way to add warm tones, height and a generous flowering display without making planting feel formal. Group several Heliopsis plants together for a stronger impact or repeat them through a border for a more natural, flowing effect.