Helenium autumnale, commonly known as sneezeweed, joins cardinal flower in the swale at the back of our property. Both are blooming and thriving in the section that never dries out. It should be a perfect spot for them, since they like moist to wet soil.
Started from seed from Monica's seed swap just this spring, it's a thrill seeing helenium bloom its first season, especially since it's planted in a pretty shady spot in our swale. This is the first time having helenium in our garden.
Native in Illinois, common sneezeweed grows 3-5 feet tall, and will bloom in full to part sun. It's deer- and rabbit-resistant thanks to its bitter-tasting foliage. Since we have rabbit issues here, I was happy to learn this while researching it before choosing the seeds from Monica's swap.
Sneezeweed blooms late in the season, making it a great plant for adding color to the garden at a time when blooms can be in short supply.
To see more natives plants growing in gardens everywhere, please visit Gail at Clay and Limestone, who hosts Wildflower Wednesday on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
