White Flower Farm
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Burning Hearts'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, pollinator-friendly seasonal color.
Discover the 'Burning Hearts' Heliopsis, a striking perennial that brings vibrant color to your garden from summer through fall. This North American native, also known as False Sunflower, boasts golden-yellow blooms with a distinctive red eye, complemented by purplish stems and foliage. It's a low-maintenance choice, thriving in full sun and tolerating dry conditions once established. Attracting butterflies and providing seeds for birds, this hardy plant offers continuous seasonal interest and is perfect for mass plantings or as a stunning specimen.
$18.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
834
/ 3029
#834 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
Hardiness Zone
39
/ -
Who it's for
- Eco-conscious gardeners supporting local pollinators
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast foliage for visual depth
- Homeowners wanting long-lasting, continuous summer color
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners avoiding plant support or pruning
- Gardeners with limited space or strict planting zones
- Gardeners in humid climates prone to fungal issues
Performance breakdown
Bloom Longevity
Continuous color from mid-summer through the first autumn frosts.
Pollinator Appeal
A reliable magnet for butterflies and essential local bird populations.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives with minimal intervention once established in the garden.
Drought Tolerance
Resilient performance in dry conditions without sacrificing structural integrity.
Visual Impact
Striking contrast between golden petals and deep, moody foliage.
Climate Adaptability
Impressive hardiness range spanning zones three through nine.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Mature Height
40-48 inches
Spread
18 inches
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil Type
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Water Needs
Low
Bloom Time
July - October
Features
- Vibrant golden-yellow flowers with red eye
- Purplish stems and foliage add color
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
- Provides food for birds
- Vigorous and hardy plant
- Requires minimal care
- Tolerates dry soil
- Long blooming season
What customers say
Gardeners consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of this perennial. Its striking dark foliage offers dramatic contrast, and the brilliant yellow flowers provide a standout visual element. Reviewers note the plant's robust health upon arrival and its vigorous, dependable performance year after year. This False Sunflower is a low maintenance, high impact addition, confirming its strong value for those seeking reliable color and structure in their landscape. It's a dependable choice for lasting beauty.
Know before you buy
Since 'Burning Hearts' has a spread of about 18 inches, you should space them roughly 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
No, this variety is quite drought-tolerant. Once the root system is established, it requires minimal watering and performs well even in drier soil conditions.
Yes, 'Burning Hearts' is exceptionally hardy and thrives in zones 3 through 9, meaning it can withstand cold winters as far north as zone 3.
While the plant is naturally vigorous, removing spent blooms can encourage a tidier appearance and may help promote a more consistent flush of flowers throughout the season.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, Heliopsis helianthoides is generally not a preferred snack for deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high wildlife pressure.
To achieve the best purplish foliage color and the most vibrant blooms, this plant requires full sun, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$18