Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ Flower (28/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 80cm
Eventual Spread: 40cm
Hardiness: 4a – 9a
Family: Asteraceae
Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are simple, alternate, lanceolate and up to 15cm long and 4cm broad. Its red/ orange flowers are daisy like, have a distinct dark brown center cone and are up to 10cm across. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.
Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ is commonly known as Sneezewort or Helen’s Flower. The Helenium genus is native to North America. Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ is synonymous with Helenium ‘Ruby Dwarf’.
The etymological root of the binomial name Helenium was named for Helen of Troy; in ancient mythology it was said that she was collecting it when she was abducted or occasionally that it sprang forth from her tears; a popular motif in Greek mythology.
Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ (28/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ useful as part of a prairie type planting scheme or mixed herbaceous planting. Once established this plant is moderately drought tolerant.
Ecologically, H. ‘Rubinzwerg’ is attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2001.
H. ‘Rubinzwerg’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Helenium ‘Rubinzwerg’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
