On Gardening: Next year's garden will be Forged in Fire

Norman Winter, Tribune News Service on Jul 16, 2026

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No plant has been more enjoyable in The Garden Guy’s trials than the Forged in Fire heliopsis or false sunflower. There have been a lot of varieties in recent years, but I am going to have to put this one on the must-have list.

Botanically speaking it is "Heliopsis helioanthoides," native to the United States. Despite being native to 42 states, and many new varieties, award winners and press coverage notwithstanding, it has not been an easy plant to find at the garden center. Most likely you have never said, "Let’s go to the garden center and pick up a flat of false sunflowers."

Picking up a flat of Forged in Fire is just what you want to do. This is a heat-tolerant perennial recommended for zones 3-9. It will reach 32 to 36 inches in height with an equal spread. The flowers are semi-double and drop-dead gorgeous. They are golden yellow with burgundy, orange eyes. They are so flashy, you will want a bunch.

They will need fertile well-drained soil with plenty of sun. If you love those photos of perennial gardens with bold drifts of colors and textures, Forged in Fire is one you’ll want for height, color and texture. Even the dark green foliage has form and purpose as perennials cycle through the season.

The tag and/or information suggests summer through fall. Mine started earlier, suggesting a late spring bloom flush may happen in warmer zones. I planted in severe drought then went through a 12-day cycle of rain followed by another long raining period. Then the oven followed with a daily triple-digit heat index. But Forged in Fire has shown remarkable weather resilience. For those of you wondering, it does attract bees and butterflies.

I never expected the color transitioning and partnerships in my bed with the Forged in Fire heliopsis. Early in the season bed partners showing up were Double Red Knockout roses and Unplugged White and Blue salvias; they were a delight.

The proximity of the bed to mixed containers on the steps leading to the home’s entrance made the show complete. The containers had Fairytrail Fresco Cascade Hydrangeas, Lemon Coral sedum, ColorBlaze Rediculous coleus, Superbells Magic Pink Lemonade calibrachoas, Rising Sun Chestnut Cold rudbeckia and Superbells Pomegranate Punch calibrachoa. It felt like a late spring flower fest.

As the Forged in Fire heliopsis and Totally Stoked Riptide Stokes asters start to cycle downward, annuals like Sunstar Red II pentas and Truffula Pink gomphrenas increase in their size and number of blooms and should last until the first killing frost.

Planning partnerships or combinations for perennials seems to have a modicum of luck involved regarding timing. It’s like you’re telling this species to hurry and that one to slow down. While there is a modicum of luck there is almost a guaranteed abundance of joy. Best to have the camera ready!

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(Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.)

(NOTE TO EDITORS: Norman Winter receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.)