
False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Bleeding Hearts'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Heliopsis helianthoides is a perennial with bushy, upright stems and daisy-like flowers. The 'Bleeding Hearts' cultivar is noted for its dark, purplish foliage and stems. Distinguished by its unique flowers that open a fiery scarlet-red and mature to a bright orange-red and then bronze, providing a multi-toned effect. The dark foliage provides excellent contrast.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained loamy soil and full sun for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy shade which reduces flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts questions
What zones can False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts grow in?
False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts deer resistant?
Yes — False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts bloom?
False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts need full sun?
False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Heliopsis to compare

False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides

Tuscan Gold False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Tuscan Gold'

Sunburst False Sunflower
Heliopsis heliopsis 'Sunburst'

Summer Sun False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun'

Burning Hearts False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Burning Hearts'

Asahi false sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Asahi'
