Helenium Potter's Wheel

Helenium Potter's Wheel

Why Buy Me

• Bold, warm colours
• Likes a sunny spot
• Great for bees and butterflies

Growing Conditions

Light:
Helenium 'Potter's Wheel' performs best in full sun. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure strong stems, abundant flowering, and vibrant coloration. While it tolerates partial shade, reduced light may lead to fewer blooms and leggy growth.

Soil:
Thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers loamy soil enriched with organic matter. It can tolerate heavier soils like clay, provided they are not waterlogged. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0) for optimal nutrient uptake.

Exposure:
Best planted in an open but sheltered spot. Taller flower stems can be susceptible to wind damage, so providing a windbreak or placing near sturdier plants can help support vertical growth. In cooler regions, a sunny southern-facing position will help extend flowering.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderately drought-tolerant once fully established. However, for best performance, especially during the flowering period, Helenium 'Potter's Wheel' benefits from consistent watering. Dry soil can result in fewer blooms and weaker growth.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring after the risk of frost has passed, or in early autumn to allow for root development before winter. Spring planting promotes strong growth and flowering by mid to late summer.

Spacing:
Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart to accommodate their bushy, upright habit and ensure good air circulation. Helenium 'Potter's Wheel' typically grows 90–120 cm (36–48 inches) tall, with a spread of around 60 cm (24 inches).

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly, especially in dry spells and during the growing season. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in spring. A second light feeding in midsummer can support prolonged blooming. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to floppy growth.

Mulching & Pruning:
Apply a layer of mulch in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. In autumn or early spring, cut back all stems to ground level to clean up the plant and stimulate new growth.

Propagation:
Best propagated by division every 2–3 years in early spring or autumn. This keeps plants vigorous and prevents overcrowding. Helenium can also be propagated from basal cuttings in spring, though division is more reliable for maintaining cultivar traits.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Fresh green basal foliage appears mid to late spring. As temperatures rise, upright flower stems begin to form, leading to midsummer flowering.

Summer:
Main flowering season is mid to late summer. 'Potter's Wheel' features large, daisy-like blooms in deep red and copper tones with a prominent dark brown central cone. It adds bold, warm colour and vertical interest to borders and prairie plantings.

Autumn:
Flowers may continue into early autumn if deadheaded regularly. Foliage begins to decline as temperatures cool. Cut back after the first frost or when the plant starts to look untidy.

Winter:
Herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in winter. In colder zones, a mulch layer helps insulate the crown. Regrowth begins in early spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its open flower structure makes it an excellent source of late-season nectar. Seed heads can also attract birds in autumn if left standing.

Garden Use:
Ideal for mixed perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic planting schemes. Works especially well in prairie-style plantings and alongside ornamental grasses. The strong stems and vivid flower colours make it an excellent focal point for late summer.

Companion Plants:
Combines beautifully with late-season perennials such as Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Solidago, and Monarda. Ornamental grasses like Miscanthus, Pennisetum, and Panicum provide soft contrast and movement. Its deep reds and copper tones pair well with purple Salvia, blue Aster, and white Eryngium for a bold, complementary palette.

Transform your home and garden with Helenium Potter's Wheel, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.