Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra

This evergreen perennial stands out because of it’s unusual look with its sturdy flower stems that are covered in whorls of pale yellow hooded flowers. After flowering these turn into architectural seedheads that give interest to your border in the bleak winter months and offer shelter for small insects.

Low-growing perennial variety with hairy dark green leaves and delicate blue bell-shaped flowers from early summer to late autumn. Just like annual Borage, the flowers of this perennial veriety are very useful for all pollinators as they refill with nectar within only two mintues after a bee has visited. Ideal for difficult areas in the garden like dry shady spots. The flowers are edible and can be added to salads or frozen in ice cubes to decorate delicious summer drinks.

This deciduous perennial can grow up to 1m tall and attracts butterflies, which is why it’s also called butterfly weed. Clusters of flat bright-orange flowers in midsummer are followed by long seedpods.