Helenium 'KOKARDE'

Kokarde is my favourite variety of sneezeweed (Helen's flower). It produces large, daisy-like flowers with chocolate brown discs. The ray florets are rich golden yellow with some orange shades, and are irregularly highlighted with crimson red. Kokarde is supposed to be a tall variety with stem exceeding one meter, however, it is often pruned in late June in order to achieve a shorter plant of denser habit with flowers appearing from late July until early October. Unpruned plants bloom from early July till mid to late September. Leaves are inversely lance-shaped, narrow and medium green. They are present all the way up along the fragile-looking but sturdy stems, too.

It will grow in almost soil type but prefers fertile, reasonably drained soil and full sun. If you are unsure about your soil fertility use a good fertilizer high in phosphorus. Sneezeweed is not drought tolerant and its robust body requires sufficient moisture. So if you plan to grow them in a dry location regular irrigation will be required. On the other hand, it can take slightly water-logged sites where it will grow taller than its given height but will be richer in flowering and will produce more handsome foliage. It is recommended to divide clumps every 2-4 years to encourage formation of new roots and production of young plants. All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if eaten. Fully hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 19-09-2016