Plant details
Heleniums were in vogue in the Edwardian era but sadly fell from popularity until recent times when a stream of new varieties from the Continent helped to revive interest in these attractive perennials. 'Waldtraut' has golden yellow daisy-like flowers which are heavily marbled with orange. At only 120cm (4ft) high, it fits in well at the middle or back of the border, and should not require staking. It looks fantastic planted in bold drifts in a sunny, well-drained position. Plants will not reach their final height until their second year. To restrict their size, cut back to about 30cm (1ft) tall in May. This not only reduces their final height but will also delay flowering by a week or two. To propagate, divide plants in spring. Dividing in autumn often fails as the small plants produced die during the winter.
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Helenium
Cultivar: Waldtraut
Plant type: Hardy perennial
Flower colour: Orange
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Feature: Flowers, Attractive to wildlife
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Moist
Hardiness: Hardy
Skill level: Beginner
Height: 120cm
Spread: 60cm
Time to divide plants: February to March
Flowering period: August to September
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