Heliopsis helianthoides Summer Pink

The foliage of this Heliopsis 'Summer Pink' is already a surprise: each leaf is variegated with pink, green, and cream, veined with purple. The single flowers are intense yellow, forming bright suns for dull autumn days, raised high on tall, sturdy purple stems. This beautiful perennial is both similar in appearance and closely related to Helianthus, the famous sunflower. It is an exceptional yet undemanding plant, suitable for any well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Its great vigour and originality make it suitable for large colourful beds and rustic compositions.

Heliopsis helianthoïdes var. scabra 'Summer Pink' belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to North America, where it is typically found in open woodland areas and tall grass prairies, less commonly along roadsides.

The 'Summer Pink' variety is a non-running woody perennial plant. It forms a spreading bushy clump, composed of numerous strong, purple stems, reaching a height of up to 90cm (35in) and spreading 50cm (20in) wide. Its growth is moderate to fast. The deciduous foliage extends up to the top of the stems. It is truly unique: the leaves are variegated with pink, cream, pale green, prominently veined with purple, rough, lanceolate and dentate, somewhat triangular. The flowering occurs from June to September. The inflorescence appears at the end of branched stems and consists of several heads (capitules), themselves composed of flowers that appear single, bright yellow ligulate florets (these are the 'petals') and brownish florets forming the disc.

Trends can be quite perplexing as the upright habit of these perennials, their long flowering period, and their low demands are all keys that should open the door to every garden... but no! However, all specialists agree that they are excellent plants. 25 years ago, Alan Bloom, the famous perennial plant breeder in England, said: "These are certainly the last plants I would part with if I decided to eliminate the colour yellow from the beds in my garden." Combine Heliopsis 'Summer Pink' with other tall, easy-going perennials that won't overshadow its astonishing foliage, such as Caryopteris, Buenos Aires verbena, tansies, Heleniums, Aster turbinellus, Physalis franchetii...