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The Perennial Garden: Helianthus

Varieties. Paniculata, old-fashioned single. Paniculata flore plena, double flowering form. Helianthus, Hardy Sunflower. Helianthus is a hardy, easily grown perennial, blooming in August, September, or October depending upon the variety, and the flower resembles a golden-yellow daisy. They [62] are such rank growers that they are apt to overrun the garden. To prevent this they should be divided every two years, in the spring or autumn. This frequent division will also improve the size of the flowers and the general appearance of tidiness, for an otherwise wellplanted border can be ruined by these rank-growing Helianthus, unless they are kept in their allotted place. Propagation is done by division; in fact, the problem of propagation need not trouble, for possessors of this plant will soon find, to their sorrow that it propagates itself.

Varieties. Rigidus Japonicus, July and August.

Multiflorus fl. pl. large double flowers in August, Maximiliana, the latest of all, coming in October.

Soleil d'or, orange-yellow, double, Miss Mellish, single very tall grower.

Hesperis Matronalis, Sweet Rocket. Hesperis resembles phlox, and its blooming season is May. The flowers come in white, lilac, and purple and are a very satisfactory addition to the perennial garden. They are hardy, increase rapidly in fertile soil and are very easily propagated by seed sown June 1st or by division of the roots in spring or fall. The white variety is the best.

Helenium, Sneezewort. Helenium is especially valued for its masses of deep yellow and terra cotta [63] flowers which are produced in great abundance from August to October. They are very tall growing and must be planted toward the back of the flower beds or borders. A better effect is obtained by planting Heleniums in masses. Give them a sunny location, and a well-prepared soil. Propagation is by cuttings made in spring from the new growth, or division of the roots in spring.

Varieties. Autumnale Rubrum-terra-cotta, August, September. Riverton Beauty, yellow, August and September. Riverton Gem, old gold changing to bronzy red.