Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts' (False Sunflower)

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts' is a cultivar of false sunflower, an upright perennial wildflower similar in appearance and habit to true sunflowers (Genus: Helianthus). Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra differs from straight species plants by having hairy and rough-textured leaves and stems, and has become a popular choice for ornamental gardens.

The 'Bleeding Hearts' cultivar of this subspecies differs from other Heliopsis helianthoides varieties with its color and size, as 'Bleeding Hearts' grows to a medium height of three to four feet tall, compared to the four to five foot range of the straight species. In addition, the cultivar is named for the deep reds and purples that tint the entirety of the plant; instead of golden yellow, Heliopsis helianthoides 'Bleeding Hearts' produces flowers in shades of scarlet, red, and blood-orange in the summer, which eventually mature to a more matte orange color for the early fall. The entire lengths of the plant's stem and leaves are additionally tinged with deep bronzey purples from its emergence in the spring until it dies back after first frosts.

False sunflowers thrive in average, medium-dry and well-drained soil, and especially in full sun, though they tolerates drought, a wide range of soils, and some light shade; since this subspecies features rougher leaves and stems, 'Bleeding Hearts' is also deer and rabbit resistant. A wide tolerance of growing conditions and environmental stressors makes 'Bleeding Hearts' well suited to an even wider variety of garden types than the straight species, and as an added bonus, striking multi-colored blooms make for great additions to floral arrangements and specialist pollinator gardens.