What problems can helenium have?
Common Name(s): Helenium is a genus of annuals and herbaceous perennials having yellow or orange-to-red daisy-like flowers. The genus is named after Helen of Troy. Potential problems: powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. In high wind or heavy rain, the stalks may need support. Helenium is a clumping perennial, so is well behaved, not spreading quickly. However, after 3- to 4-years the clump gets large and will benefit from dividing. Divide Helenium in spring making smaller, new plants to grow in other parts of your yard.Heleniums thrive in most soil types, and prefer full sun. It is best to support them by staking around the clump in spring.
Does helenium spread easily?
Helenium is a clumping perennial, so is well behaved, not spreading quickly. However, after 3- to 4-years the clump gets large and will benefit from dividing. Divide Helenium in spring making smaller, new plants to grow in other parts of your yard. For best results, plant pot-grown helenium in autumn or spring. An autumn planting can be done by those gardening in mild conditions (and broadly speaking, this is the southern half of the UK). For those liable to cold winters, it is best to wait until spring (generally the northern half of the UK).
Where to plant helenium?
Heleniums prefer full sun, but will tolerate a small amount of shade. They like warmth but are hardy and will tolerate frost. Water new bulbs until they are well established, but mature plants will tolerate drought well. Helenium does best in full sun. Helenium does best in full sun in rich, moist soil, although many of the hybrids are more tolerant of relatively drier soil. Plants require watering during dry periods and may benefit from fertilization in early spring when growth resumes.