Heliopsis 'Touch of Blush'

Heliopsis 'Touch of Blush': A Sun-Kissed Classic with a Delicate Twist
Subtle and striking all at once, Heliopsis 'Touch of Blush' offers a unique, refined take on the traditional false sunflower. Its creamy yellow petals are gently suffused with a warm blush-pink halo around a rich, dark cone—giving each flower the look of a golden sunset kissed with rose. Blooming profusely from midsummer into early fall, this upright, bushy perennial brings softness, structure, and pollinator-friendly colour to borders, prairie plantings, and mixed beds.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60 cm
• Spread: 60 cm, forming a tall, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Soft yellow with a warm pink blush near the centre and a dark golden-brown cone
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Deep green, lance-shaped leaves on sturdy, branching stems
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of clay, heat, and drought once established

Uses and Benefits: Heliopsis 'Touch of Blush' is perfect for gardeners seeking a softer, more nuanced alternative to classic bright yellow sunflowers. Its romantic colouring pairs beautifully with pastel or prairie-style plantings, while the strong stems and extended bloom season make it ideal for cutting gardens. A pollinator favourite, it draws in bees and butterflies with ease and adds late-summer vitality to sunny borders without overwhelming nearby plants.

Companion Plants: Pair Touch of Blush with Phlox 'Luminary Prismatic Pink', whose soft, cool-toned blooms echo the blush hues and add upright structure. Add Calamagrostis 'Avalanche', whose variegated blades and vertical form offer a refined contrast and gentle movement. Complete the scene with Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon', whose pale yellow umbels complement Touch of Blush’s creamy tones while extending the bloom season and supporting pollinators.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment; once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming or leave seed heads for fall interest. Cut back stems in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to maintain plant health and manage size.

History: A newer selection within the Heliopsis helianthoides family, ‘Touch of Blush’ was introduced for its softer, more elegant flower colouring and sturdy garden habit. It blends the enduring qualities of its prairie-native parent with a fresh aesthetic ideal for today’s mixed borders and pollinator plantings.

Final Thoughts: Graceful, glowing, and quietly romantic, Heliopsis 'Touch of Blush' brings a gentle radiance to the summer garden. With its pastel-infused petals, strong presence, and long bloom time, it’s a sophisticated choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and resilience in full sun. A tender twist on a golden classic.