Species sneezeweed
Yellow flower with yellow anthers and dark-green stem.

sneezeweed

Helenium 'Sombrero'

Helenium 'Sombrero' is a stunning perennial wildflower, boasting bright yellow flowers with red centers. It grows in clumps up to 3 feet in height, making it an excellent addition to sunny shrub beds and flower gardens. The daisy-like blooms are eye-catching and pollinator-friendly, attracting beneficial butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Grown in full sun, these flowers thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are drought tolerant once they are established. With its long-lasting blooms and easy maintenance, Helenium 'Sombrero' is ideal for the garden enthusiast looking to instantly add bright color and bold texture to their landscape.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Sneezeweed (Helenium 'Sombrero') does best when watered generously. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. When watering, water deeply until water runs through the drainage holes of the pot or out of the ground. Avoid letting the plant sit in stagnant water. During the growing season, water about once a week or more when the soil is dry. In the winter, water the plant only when the soil is dry. Be sure to check the soil’s moisture level before watering.

sunlight

Sneezeweed (Helenium 'Sombrero') grows best in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant will thrive when located in an area that receives full, direct sunlight each day in summer. During cooler months, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent the foliage from scorching. When growing snazzleweed, ensure the soil remains well-drained, as soggy soil quickly leads to root rot.

pruning

When it comes to pruning sneezeweed (Helenium 'Sombrero'), the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. You can also prune back heavily in the summer after the flower heads have faded. How much to prune depends on how large or compact you want the plant to be. To keep a more compact habit, prune the previous season's growth down to about 4-12 inches above the ground. For plants that are more open and airy, you can prune them back to within 12-24 inches of the ground. Make sure to remove all dead stems and foliage before pruning to help the plant stay healthy.

Season

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

Helenium 'Sombrero' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Helenium 'Sombrero' 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.