Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Eclipse'
Summer Eclipse False Sunflower
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 2-3 feet tall
- Width
- 1-2 feet wide
- Flower color
- Dark orange and yellow bicolor
- Foliage color
- Dark green with purple-bronze tones
- Bloom time
- Mid-summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead for extended blooming
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4-9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and bees
About this plant
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Eclipse' showcases two-tone blooms in rich orange and dark golden yellow, creating a lively contrast with its unique dark burgundy-green foliage. Each flower resembles a small sunflower, with rounded, warm-toned petals surrounding a deep brown center, bringing a bold, cheerful touch to summer gardens. Derived from the North American native false sunflower, this cultivar captures the charm of wildflower landscapes while adding a colorful accent to mixed borders.
Blooming from midsummer into early fall, 'Summer Eclipse' continuously attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting a lively garden ecosystem. Its long-lasting flowers are also excellent for cutting, adding warmth to indoor arrangements. This cultivar's distinct foliage and warm blooms create a layered effect in the garden, making it a valuable choice for naturalistic plantings, where it harmonizes beautifully with other summer perennials.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
