Heliopsis 'Summer Eclipse'

Heliopsis 'Summer Eclipse': Dark Drama Meets Golden Glow

With striking contrast and exceptional garden presence, Heliopsis 'Summer Eclipse' elevates the classic false sunflower to new ornamental heights. Its deep burgundy foliage is the perfect foil for vibrant golden-yellow flowers with rich orange eyes, blooming freely from midsummer to early fall. Compact yet upright, it forms a bushy clump that provides both structure and saturated colour in sunny beds and borders. Pollinators flock to its long-lasting blooms, while gardeners appreciate its drought tolerance and effortless reliability.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Golden yellow with orange centres
• Flowering Period: July to September
• Foliage: Deep burgundy-maroon, ovate and textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: A bold choice for sunny borders, wildlife gardens, and mass plantings, 'Summer Eclipse' delivers long-season bloom, rich foliage contrast, and excellent wildlife value. Its nectar-rich flowers support bees and butterflies, and its upright habit makes it an easy backdrop or focal point among midsummer perennials and grasses.

Companion Plants: Combine with Panicum 'Prairie Fire', Agastache 'Blue Fortune', and Echinacea 'Kismet Intense Orange' for a bold, pollinator-friendly trio that celebrates colour, structure, and resilience in the summer garden.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water to establish, then reduce frequency; drought tolerant once rooted. Deadhead to extend flowering or allow seedheads to remain for fall interest. Cut back in spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour.

History: A refined cultivar selected for its unique dark foliage and abundant bloom, 'Summer Eclipse' offers a dramatic twist on the North American native Heliopsis helianthoides, blending wild durability with cultivated elegance.

Final Thoughts: With its rich foliage and golden blooms, Heliopsis 'Summer Eclipse' brings bold contrast and enduring performance—shining brightly even in the heat of summer.