Bleeding Hearts Smooth Ox-Eye False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Bleeding Hearts' is an upright, clump-forming perennial with red-orange daisy flowers and foliage tinted purple. It flowers through summer into early fall, adding a warm, long-lasting display to sunny borders and providing stems for cutting. ([RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/374257/heliopsis-helianthoides-var-scabra-bleeding-hearts/details), [Stadler Nurseries](https://www.stadlergardencenters.com/product/false-sunflower-bleeding-hearts/)) ## Garden use Plants reach about 3–4 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, so they fit the middle or back of a sunny perennial bed. The flower heads age from orangish red toward bronze, while dark stems and purple-tinted foliage keep the clump attractive between flushes. The flowers are useful in bouquets and draw butterflies, birds, and other pollinators. ## Growing conditions Give this selection full sun and ordinary garden soil with reasonable drainage. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soil types; Stadler lists it for USDA Zones 3–9 and notes drought tolerance after establishment. ## Maintenance Water during extended dry periods while the plant establishes. Once established, it can handle drier conditions; remove spent flower stems as the display fades and leave some seedheads if you want to support visiting birds.