Description
Helenium aromaticum or Cephalaphora aromatica | Aromatic Sneezeweed ‘Pineapples’
Helenium or Sneezeweed, also known as Manzanilla del cerro, Fragrant Sneezeweed, Pineapple Sneezeweed, and Helens Flower, is a genus of about 40 species of annuals and herbaceous perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the Americas.
Helenium ‘Pineapples’ is a highly aromatic native herb of Chile. It grows as a self supporting plant with thin leaves that are fused to the stems and petalless, bright-yellow, spherical flowers (they technically have 14 small petals at the bottom of the flower). When brushed against or squeezed, they release an incredibly sweet pineapple aroma with hints of apple, mango, strawberry, and some even say gummi bears. When grown in mass, it looks like a sea of little yellow pompom flowers. Bloom from June to September.
Easy to grow in most any garden. Loves moist, well-drained soils and a sunny spot in meadow gardens, prairies, and borders. Full sun to part shade. Will not tolerate snow or hard freezes.
Helenium aromaticum has traditionally been used as a tea for fevers and indigestion, and it is now a rising star in the fragrance industry. It’s also been used in food products such as candies, vinegars, soft drinks, infused wines and can be added to marinades, sauces, pastries, jellies, pickles, fish, etc. It can be bitter, so less is more- a pinch goes a long way. Combined with echinacea, mint, lemon balm and calendula it also makes an excellent antibacterial and immune-boosting first-aid medicne.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 16-24 inches
Mature width: 1 inches
Hardiness zones: Annual in most zones. Perennial in zones 9-11.