A striking wildflower, Helenium flexuosum (Purple-head Sneezeweed) is an upright, single-stemmed perennial, branching occasionally in its upper half. The upper stems terminate in eye-catching daisy flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a striking spherical, garnet-colored cone surrounded by a skirt of three-lobed, yellow rays. Blooming profusely from early summer to early fall, the individual flowers are somewhat small, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in quantity. Rising above the basal foliage of lance-shaped, dark green leaves, the pale to medium green stems are strongly winged from the decurrent leaves. Purple-head Sneezeweed is worth cultivating because of its handsome foliage and brilliant flowers. It is a pretty addition to moist prairies, meadows, cottage gardens and naturalized areas.

• Grows up to 12-36 in. tall (30-90 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Will self-seed readily in the landscape. Do not overfertilize as it will cause plants to become too tall.
• Performs best in full sun in rich, medium to wet soils. Wet soil tolerant and intolerant of dry soils.
• Looks stunning planted in drifts in borders, cottage gardens or naturalistic areas such as prairies or meadows. Great along ponds and streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, leaf spot or rust. Deer resistant.
• Deadheading will extend the flowering season. Cut back plants by half after flowering. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
• Native to the eastern and central United States.