1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Width: 1-2 feet wide
Flower color: Dark red with a thin yellow edge
Foliage color: Green, lance-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; deadhead spent blooms to encourage longer blooming and cut back in late fall
Growing zone: USDA Zones 3-8
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and bees

Perennials

Helenium autumnale 'Potter's Wheel'

Potter's Wheel Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale 'Potter's Wheel' is a colorful cultivar of the native sneezeweed, showcasing dark burgundy-red flowers accented with a thin yellow edge. This rich color combination is enhanced by the bloom's dark brown, slightly raised center, adding depth and elegance to late-summer and fall garden displays. Its warm, dramatic tones bring a sophisticated touch to prairie-style plantings and perennial borders.

Blooming from late summer through early fall, 'Potter's Wheel' attracts bees and butterflies, adding movement and life to the garden.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums

Design tip

Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.