Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower

Heliopsis 'Bleeding Hearts'

American Beauties®

Ruby-Red Center Bleeds into Golden Petals for Dramatic Two-Tone Blooms All Season
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds

$34⁹⁵

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this plant at least 6 hours of full sun daily to maintain the deep mahogany foliage and intense orange-red flower color. While it tolerates partial shade, the stems may become leggy and require staking if they do not receive enough direct light.
Soil: This sunflower relative thrives in well-drained soil but is surprisingly adaptable to heavy clay or dry, rocky spots. If your soil is very poor, mix in a few handfuls of compost at planting to help the roots establish without creating a water-logged "bathtub" effect.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply twice a week to ensure the root system reaches deep into the soil. Once established, these plants are remarkably drought-tolerant, though consistent moisture leads to a much heavier bloom cycle and prevents the lower leaves from yellowing. If you notice the flower heads drooping in the afternoon heat, it is a clear sign the plant is thirsty and needs a thorough soak.

Pruning Tips

These perennials bloom on new wood, so you should cut the spent flower stems back to the next leaf node to encourage a second flush of color. In early summer, you can pinch back the stems by half to create a bushier shape and more bloom sites, acting like a haircut that promotes thicker growth. Cut the entire plant back to the ground in late autumn or early spring to make way for fresh new stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as the first purple shoots emerge from the ground. Avoid using high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers nearby, as too much nitrogen will cause the plant to produce lots of green leaves but very few of the signature fiery flowers. One application in spring is usually enough for the entire season since over-fertilizing can lead to weak stems that flop over.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Reblooming, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Red, Orange
Foliage Color	Purple, Dark green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Plant Name	Daisy
Botanical Name	Heliopsis 'Bleeding Hearts'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Bleeding Hearts
Class	Asterales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Bleeding Hearts Heliopsis (Heliopsis 'Bleeding Hearts'), also known as False Sunflower and Western Ox-Eye, is a bold, blooming powerhouse perfect for pollinator gardens and cottage borders. This striking perennial flaunts sunflower-like golden-yellow petals with a ruby-red center that bleeds into the heart of the flower, hence its evocative name.

It's a long-blooming, deer-resistant, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with dramatic deep purple-bronze foliage that stays colorful from spring through frost. This is a heat-tolerant, low-maintenance beauty that reblooms from early summer to fall without missing a beat.

Growing 3-4 feet tall and wide, Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower have sturdy, upright stems that rarely flop! The serrated foliage forms a dark, lush base for the explosion of two-toned daisy-like blooms. The flowers are held well above the foliage, attracting butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects. In fall, the foliage may develop deeper bronze-red tones before fading. The bird-friendly seed heads persist into winter for added texture.

Key Features

Deep golden blooms with burgundy centers
Purple-bronze foliage adds multi-season interest
Long bloom time: early summer through fall
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
Cold-hardy in USDA zones 3-9
Native cultivar with improved color and form

Landscaping Uses

Bleeding Hearts Heliopsis adds brilliant color and height to sunny gardens with its bold blooms and dark foliage. A modern cultivar of the native Heliopsis helianthoides, Bleeding Hearts was bred for darker foliage and intensified bloom contrast. Native across the eastern and central U.S., Heliopsis has long been a beloved symbol of cheer and longevity.

Butterfly or pollinator gardens
Cottage Garden borders
Prairie and meadow plantings
Back of mixed perennial beds and borders
Cut flower gardens
Mixed borders with ornamental grasses

Care & Maintenance

This is a tough, sun-loving herbaceous perennial with a high tolerance for drought, heat, humidity, and cold. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, this sun-loving perennial thrives in a wide range of climates.

Planting Time: Spring or fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun is best; tolerates light afternoon shade in hotter zones
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerant of clay, loam, or average garden soil
Moisture Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established. Use the Finger Test to check soil moisture
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilization Needs: Mix compost into planting hole or top-dress in spring; use a balanced fertilizer in early summer if desired
Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering. Learn more about deadheading. Can be cut back by half (pinched back) in midsummer for bushier regrowth
Division Info: Divide every 3-5 years in spring or fall to rejuvenate and control size
Special Perks/Growing Needs:

Deer and rabbit resistant
Handles urban pollution
Cold-hardy, heat-tolerant
Clay-tolerant

Add a Pop of Purple & Gold to Your Garden!

With its sunset-toned blooms and rich foliage, Bleeding Hearts Heliopsis is a showstopper that keeps the color coming for months. It's a rugged native cultivar that brings pollinators, cuts beautifully for vases, and looks great even in tough conditions. Order your Bleeding Hearts Heliopsis and start enjoying bold blooms and colorful foliage today from naturehills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower survive in?

Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower is cold-hardy in USDA zones 3-9. This wide hardiness range means it can survive winter temperatures from -40°F to 20°F. Plant in full sun for best performance and blooms from early summer through fall.

How tall and wide does Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower get when fully mature?

Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. This clump-forming perennial has sturdy, upright stems that rarely need staking. Give it adequate space in full sun for best performance - shop at Nature Hills for this reliable native cultivar.

What type of soil does Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower need to thrive?

Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide range of conditions, including poor soils. This drought-tolerant native perennial isn't picky about soil type but performs best with good drainage. Plant in full sun for optimal blooming and avoid waterlogged areas.

How often should I water Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower after planting?

Water newly planted Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower daily for the first week, then reduce to 2-3 times weekly until established. This drought-tolerant perennial typically establishes within 4-6 weeks. Once established, it rarely needs supplemental watering except during extended dry periods.

How fast does Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower grow from planting to maturity?

Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower reaches its full 3-4 foot mature size in its second growing season. This vigorous perennial establishes quickly in zones 3-9 and begins blooming the first summer after spring planting. Shop at Nature Hills for this fast-growing native cultivar.

Does this plant need to be divided or pruned regularly for best performance?

This low-maintenance perennial rarely needs division and doesn't require regular pruning. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering through fall, or leave seed heads for winter bird food. Divide clumps every 4-5 years in spring if they become overcrowded.

Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower

Heliopsis 'Bleeding Hearts'