Heliopsis

The name Heliopsis means 'resembles a sun'. These perennial plants native to North America belong to the Asteraceae family and resemble sunflowers, but they are less imposing and much more accommodating. There are about twelve species of them. Their solitary flowers, always in shades of yellow to orange, single, double or semi-double, are borne on stiff stems. They are often used in florists' bouquets. From the Heliopsis helianthoides, which can measure up to 1.50m (5ft), beautiful cultivars such as 'Patula' or 'Light of London' have been obtained, which are hardy and very easy to grow in fertile, even chalky, moist and well-drained soil.