Species sneezeweed
yellow and reddish-orange flowers with protruding brown  stamens, green sepals, green stems, and leaves

sneezeweed

Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS

Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS, or Sneezeeweed, is an attractive perennial with bronze, daisy-like flowers. This drought-resistant wildflower thrives in full sun and is a great choice for any sunny garden. The flowers are vibrant yellow and dark-orange, giving it an exotic and cheerful touch. The blooms appear continuously from summer through autumn and provide an excellent source for cut flower arrangements. Even though its common name implies otherwise, it does not actually cause sneezing. Deer resistant and low maintenance, it is a great addition to any outdoor landscape.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow and red rays with brown centers Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For the Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS plant, water should be applied regularly, with a frequency of approximately once per week. Water this plant deeply and completely, so that all of the soil surrounding the root system is adequately hydrated. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the summer, water the Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS plant more frequently, about twice per week, as the heat may cause the soil to dry out quickly and the plant has a higher demand for moisture during this time. During the winter months, reduce watering to once per week, as the plant's growth slows and its demand for water also reduces.

sunlight

Sneezeweed (Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS) enjoys full sun exposure in order to grow and blossom into a vibrant yellow flower. This sun-loving plant should be in an area that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season. During the summer months, direct sunlight for this plant species is preferred, as it helps the plant to thrive and produce a profusion of flowers. During the winter months, it is best to provide it with morning sun and filtered afternoon shade if possible, as it is more likely to benefit from the lower temperatures and avoid sunburn.

pruning

Sneezeweed (Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS) should be pruned shortly after flowering, in late summer or early fall. Prune the flowers off the stems to encourage re-blooming or remove unsightly stems or flowers. Remove the flower stems down to the foliage, ideally as close to the base of the plant as possible. Pruning should be done no more than 2-3 times during the flowering period. Pruning only part of the plant at a time will create a more natural shape and balance in the garden. Pruning should also be done lightly to avoid removing too much of the plant. Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, should also be done throughout the flowering season to promote new growth and blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS, also known as sneezeweed, typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Helenium 'Helbro' MARDI GRAS, also known as sneezeweed, typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Are Sneezeweed flowers suitable for bouquets?

Sneezeweed flowers are not typically used for bouquets due to their large size and bushy shape. The flowers are usually dried and used in other craft projects or for medicinal purposes. If you wanted to use dried Sneezeweed in your bouquet, they would provide a unique and eye-catching contrast against the other greenery in the bouquet.

Should Sneezeweed be planted in groups or individually?

Sneezeweed should be planted in groups, as groupings of this flower look the best in the garden. Planting them in groups will not only make them look more appealing but will also provide helpful cover for its shallow roots. Additionally, planting them in large groupings can help it to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, providing a habitat where they can feed off the nectar-filled blooms. For best results, it's suggested to plant groupings of three to five plants for a lush, full look.

Is Sneezeweed resistant to deer damage?

Sneezeweed is a perennial flower with a resiliency to deer damage. It has a hairy leaf texture which deters deer from browsing on it and it produces a strong aroma that most deer tend to stay away from. The stems of the plant are also relatively tough, and not easily broken off. All in all, it is considered to be deer-resistant, but not completely deer-proof. It's important to monitor the plant to make sure it is not being overbrowsed and to take steps to protect it, if necessary.

Could Sneezeweed be grown as a cut flower crop?

Yes, sneezeweed can be grown as a cut flower crop. It is an attractive and abundant flower that has a daisy-like bloom. These flowers come in a variety of colors like yellow, orange, white, and burgundy. They are striking flowers with large, paper-like petals. They can be grown in full sun to partial shade and they prefer moist soil and regular watering. Sneezeweed flowers can be harvested for bouquets and other floral arrangements, and their cheerful blooms can brighten up any home or garden.

Do Sneezeweed plants require staking?

Sneezeweed plants do not typically require staking as they have quite sturdy stems that can easily hold their own weight. Depending on the size of the plant and the growing conditions, it is possible that staking may be needed to keep it upright. However, since the plant stems are so strong and rigid, it is typically not necessary.

Is Sneezeweed a good choice for erosion control?

Yes, Sneezeweed can be a good choice for erosion control. It is a vigorous, economical low maintenance plant with deep roots that make it ideal for quick soil stabilization and improved water quality. Its flat-topped blossoms provide cover for wildlife, making it a popular choice for natural areas. The plant's quick growth and large, thick foliage make it great for reducing erosion on slopes, shores, and other areas where fast-growing, hardy plants are desired.

Are there different varieties of sneezeweed?

Yes, there are different varieties of sneezeweed. Sneezeweed is a flowering plant in the daisy family, also known as Helenium. It produces yellow, red, orange, bronze and purple flowers from July to October. There are numerous species of sneezeweed; some of the most popular types are 'Mardi Gras', 'Autumnale', 'Red Rubin', 'Tahoka Daisy' and 'Kobold'. Each variety of sneezeweed is unique in its coloring, flower size and flowering period.