The Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Summer Pink’ is a genus from the aster or sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae) and is commonly named rough oxeye, smooth oxeye, oxeye sunflower and false sunflower.
The Heliopsis helianthoides is native to eastern and central North America.
The Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Summer Pink’ is a spontaneous mutation of the H. helianthoides var. scabra 'Summer Nights'.
I bought the Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Summer Pink’ because of the special and beautiful leaves and the bonus is that it blooms long and pretty. This plant has stiff and erect stems and is an outstanding cut flower. You can extend the flowering by removing the spent flowers. The flowers produce pollen and nectar which attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
This oxeye sunflower grows strong and prefers a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil. The Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Summer Pink’ tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soil and clay and tolerates quite some drought. Even a bit of shade should not be a problem.
It may be wise to give this plant some support. Without support it may fall apart and fall to the ground. The clump of the Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Summer Pink’ slowly spreads. You can propagate the oxeye sunflower by digging it up and dividing the clump. The best time to do this is the autumn.
The new growth may be susceptible to slugs so be aware.
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Exposure: sun/ part shade
Flower colour: yellow
Flowering time: July – October
Foliage colour: green/white/pink
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -30 ºC/ -22 ºF
Height: 60 cm/ 24 inches
Soil: normal/ moist