If you’re searching for that perfect transitional plant from the purples of summer to the oranges of fall, look no further than this new perennial. ‘Bleeding Hearts’ looks nothing like the ephemeral plant of the same name we know from early spring. Its dark purple foliage makes a lovely backdrop to baptisias (Baptisia spp. and cvs, Zones 4–8) and phloxes (Phlox paniculata spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9) in early summer. As those blooms go by, this plant bursts into full flower with large daisies in a range of oranges, reds, and rusts. The show starts in midsummer and continues until the first frost. We can only imagine how well ‘Bleeding Hearts’ false sunflower will fit in with the autumnal color transition in the rest of the garden. Best of all, it has no known pests or disease issues, and despite being rather tall, it doesn’t need staking, even under the weight of all those blossoms.

‘Bleeding Hearts’ false sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra ‘Bleeding Hearts’

Zones: 3–9

Size: 3 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Native range: North American hybrid

Source

• Bluestone Perennials, Madison, OH; 800-852-5243; bluestoneperennials.com