Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts' (False Sunflower) Unity Grown

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts' is a cultivar and subspecies that differs from other Heliopsis helianthoides varieties with its color and size: 'Bleeding Hearts' grows to a medium height of 3-4' tall and wide, compared to the four to five foot range of the straight species. In addition, the cultivar is named for the deep reds and purples that tint the entirety of the plant; instead of simply yellow blooms, Heliopsis helianthoides 'Bleeding Hearts' produces flowers in shades of golden yellow, scarlet, red, and blood-orange in the summer, which eventually mature to a more matte orange color for the early fall. In addition, the entire lengths of the plant's stem and leaves are additionally tinged with deep bronzey purples from its emergence in the spring until it dies back after first frosts.

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra thrives in average, medium-dry and well-drained soil, and especially in full sun, though false sunflower will tolerate drought, a wide range of soils, and some light shade; since this subspecies features rougher leaves and stems, 'Bleeding Hearts' is also more deer and rabbit resistant than the wild-type species. A wide tolerance of growing conditions and environmental stressors makes 'Bleeding Hearts' well suited to an even wider variety of garden types than the straight species, and as an added bonus, striking multi-colored blooms make for great additions to floral arrangements and specialist pollinator gardens.