Sneezeweed

Uses:

  • Cottage Gardens
  • Cut Flowers
  • Rain Gardens
  • Meadows & Prairie

Features:

  • Deer & Rabbit Resistant
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Bright Daisy-Like Flowers

Sunlight:

  • Full Sun
  • 6+ Hours of Direct Sun

Growing Zones:

Sneezeweed Care

Sneezeweed, also known as Helenium autumnale, is an herbaceous perennial known for its daisy-like blooms in rich hues of orange, red, and yellow. The blooms appear in late summer and attract bees and butterflies. The flowers bloom for up to two months and make wonderful cut flowers. This clumping plant grows well in moist sites and can be included in a rain garden design.

Items 1 to 6 of 6 total
Items 1 to 6 of 6 total

About Sneezeweed

Genus
Species
Family
Helenium
Autumnale ,amarum ,bigelovii ,flexuosum ,virginicum
Asteraceae

Common Names:

Helen's Flower


Native To:

North America, South America, Mexico, Central America

Plant Type:

Perennials

Foliage Type:

Deciduous, Herbaceous

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

3- 9

Flower Color:

Flower Bloom Time:

Late summer to fall

Growth Habit:

Clumping, Spreading, Upright

Attracts:

Bees, Butterflies

Tolerates:

Heat, Humidity, Harsh Winters

Resists:

Deer, Rabbits, Voles, Moles, Diseases, Pests

How To Use Sneezeweed In The Garden

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is a perennial herb notable for its daisy-like flowers in shades of golden yellow, orange, deep red, and brown. Thriving in damp, marshy areas, it attracts butterflies and other pollinators from summer into fall. This low-profile plant, native to North America, typically grows in moist woodlands or meadows and is hardy in zones 3 through 8. Additionally, the flowers are excellent for cutting, allowing gardeners to enjoy their beauty indoors.

Group sneezeweed near ponds or in moist garden pockets where its upright stems can form a tall display of color and texture. Pair the late-season blooms with equally cheerful companions such as asters or ironweed to build a tiered tapestry of pollinator-friendly plants. Use it as a background accent in smaller beds, positioning shorter perennials in front to avoid overshadowing the lower layer. For sprawling prairie or meadow projects, mass the clumps in swaths so they create a broad sweep of autumn interest.

Sneezeweed Care

Sneezeweed requires full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to prevent legginess. It thrives in rich, moist, acidic soils with good drainage. Applying a thick layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. An annual application of balanced fertilizer in spring supports robust growth and abundant blooms.

To encourage a bushier form, pinch back new growth in spring. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming throughout the season. In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged growth before new shoots emerge. Water container-grown sneezeweed regularly to maintain even moisture levels, and repot in spring if the plant becomes root-bound.

Learn More About Sneezeweed

Yellow Sneeze Weed flowering