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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: Bright yellow with a daisy-like shape
Foliage color: Large, dark green, rough-textured leaves
Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Low; remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 10
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies; birds drawn to the seed heads in the fall

Perennials

Inula helenium

Elecampane

Inula helenium is a tall perennial that produces large, yellow, daisy-like flowers in late summer to early fall. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has been historically valued for its medicinal properties. The flowers are typically surrounded by dark green, rough-textured leaves that create a bold presence in the garden. Inula helenium thrives in a variety of environments and is often grown for its ornamental value as well as its historical significance.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Mid-summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Bird Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.