Heliopsis 'Burning Hearts'

Heliopsis 'Burning Hearts': Blazing Beauty with a Dark Twist
Fiery and bold, Heliopsis 'Burning Hearts' sets the summer garden ablaze with golden-yellow petals tipped in orange, radiating from rich, burgundy-red centres. Each bloom hovers above striking dark purple-black foliage, creating a stunning contrast that intensifies in the heat of midsummer. Blooming from early summer well into fall, this compact yet upright perennial is both ornamental and ecological—drawing bees, butterflies, and admiring eyes from across the garden.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, forming a sturdy, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Golden-yellow with red-orange tips and a dark red central cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to fall
• Foliage: Deep burgundy to near-black leaves with a serrated edge
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of average to dry soils once established

Uses and Benefits: Heliopsis 'Burning Hearts' is perfect for adding long-lasting colour and dramatic contrast to mixed borders, pollinator gardens, and late-season displays. Its dark foliage provides a striking backdrop to lighter flowers, while its extended bloom season ensures continuous pollinator activity through summer and into autumn. Despite its fiery appearance, it is tough, drought-tolerant once established, and deer-resistant.

Companion Plants: Pair Burning Hearts with Perovskia 'Denim ‘n Lace', whose cool, silvery-blue spikes create a smoky contrast to the sunflower’s warm tones and dark foliage. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sangria', whose deep red blooms echo the central cones and add a second layer of richness to the palette. Complete the scene with Panicum 'Prairie Fire', whose red-tinged blades and fall colour mirror Heliopsis’s fiery vibrancy and bring texture and movement.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season; once established, it tolerates drought and light neglect. Deadhead to encourage continuous blooming, or leave spent flowers in autumn for visual interest and seed for birds. Cut back stems in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years to refresh growth and maintain density.

History: Heliopsis 'Burning Hearts' is a cultivar of Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra, a tough, prairie-native perennial commonly known as false sunflower. Bred in Eastern Europe for its unique foliage and enhanced flower colouring, this selection adds dramatic flair to the classic, sun-loving Heliopsis form, with all the resilience of its wild ancestors.

Final Thoughts: With its smouldering foliage and flame-tipped blooms, Heliopsis 'Burning Hearts' delivers heat, contrast, and pollinator appeal in a single, no-fuss plant. Whether anchoring a bold border or brightening a prairie-style planting, it brings an irresistible spark to the garden—proof that the heart of summer can burn brighter than ever.