Strike Up the Band for Helen's flower!

Helenium ‘Tijuana Brass’

Flowers of Helenium 'Tijuana Brass'

“During the last of August, the heleniums begin to bloom gaily even under the most adverse conditions. Very tall and erect, they do not have to be staked, nor do they take up more than their allotted space. The large flowerheads of bright daisies are attractive in the border, and very useful for cutting.”

from “Perennials Suitable for the Mid-South” originally published in House & Garden, July 1936

I planted Helenium ‘Tijuana Brass’ in the lower border in 2018. From its first bloom, it has been a cheerful and bright face in the garden, bridging the summer and fall seasons. Although Elizabeth said heleniums do not require staking, I find this is not the case, but it is by no means a deal breaker. Even the tallest and strongest need additional support every now and again! ‘Tijuana Brass’ gets to be about four feet tall by 18 inches to two feet wide. Its taxi-yellow flowers harmonize with every other plant and color imaginable. All it asks is a bit of water during the hottest driest times, but otherwise sails on through the dog days with no troubles.

This is definitely a garden-worthy gem worth seeking out for the sunny areas of your garden!