Heliopsis 'Sunstruck'

Heliopsis 'Sunstruck': A Dwarf Dynamo with Striking Contrast
Dramatic in foliage and radiant in bloom, Heliopsis 'Sunstruck' offers a fresh, compact twist on the classic false sunflower. This eye-catching cultivar pairs bold, variegated leaves—creamy white edged with green—with sunny, golden-yellow blooms that appear from midsummer through early fall. Perfect for smaller spaces, containers, and the front of borders, Sunstruck delivers high-impact colour, striking contrast, and long-lasting seasonal interest in a tidy, easy-to-grow form.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–40 cm
• Spread: 30–35 cm, forming a compact, upright mound
• Flower Colour: Bright golden-yellow with a rich golden-brown cone
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Boldly variegated green leaves with creamy-white margins; dense and bushy
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay

Uses and Benefits: Heliopsis 'Sunstruck' is ideal for brightening up sunny borders, patio containers, and pollinator plantings where space is limited but impact is desired. Its colourful foliage provides visual interest from spring through fall, even before flowers appear. The compact size makes it perfect for tight spaces, while the blooms attract bees and butterflies throughout the season. It also performs beautifully in formal layouts and cottage-style gardens alike.

Companion Plants: Pair Sunstruck with Ajuga 'Black Scallop', whose dark, glossy foliage creates a dramatic contrast to Sunstruck’s creamy variegation and compact habit. Add Lavandula 'Ellagance Snow', whose crisp white flower spikes and silvery foliage harmonize with the variegated leaves while attracting pollinators. Complete the scene with Coreopsis 'Moonbeam', whose soft yellow blooms echo Sunstruck’s golden tones, extending the bloom season with delicate texture and colour continuity.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment; once mature, it is drought-tolerant and low maintenance. Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering. In fall, cut back the plant to tidy the form and prepare for winter. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour and preserve foliage variegation.

History: Heliopsis 'Sunstruck' is a modern cultivar of Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra, developed for its dwarf stature and striking variegated foliage. A standout among perennial sunflowers, it brings together the dependable hardiness and long bloom of its prairie relatives with showier, season-long ornamental appeal—ideal for today’s small-space and container gardens.

Final Thoughts: With its gleaming foliage and golden flowers, Heliopsis 'Sunstruck' is proof that small can be sensational. It offers dynamic colour contrast, compact performance, and pollinator support all in one neat package—making it an indispensable choice for gardeners seeking bold beauty without the bulk. A true little star in the sunny border.