Cait's Garden

Helenium, also called “Helen’s Flower,” was named after the famed Helen of Troy. I’m not sure an orange and red prairie flower qualifies for that refined a moniker. This is kind of a silly looking plant that gets about 3 feet high and is just a touch floppy.  This particular variety, “Moerheim Beauty,” is more freestanding that other heleniums, which need staking. Indeed, it is standing up on its own thus far, but I also have it propped against other tall and robust flowers.  I’ve only had this plant for two summers and I am quite impressed with its performance so far. It seems impervious to our weird weather conditions and the color is outstanding. The flowers are small, but intense orange and red. They have been blooming for about a week now, which is odd, because they shouldn’ t be blooming until late July. Apparently, our weather at present is mimicking August. Oh well, I’m enjoying them now.