Heleniums – or sneezeweed, as they’re cheekily known (the name comes from the dried flowers once being used as snuff) – are the bold, warm-hued stars of late summer. On several pick-your-own farms across the Netherlands, you’ll find these daisy-like beauties from July to September, in fiery shades of orange, russet, gold, and deep red. Picking a bundle is a joy: simply wander the rows, scissors in hand, and snip stems whose flowers are half to fully open, with vibrant petals and a firm central disk. Skip the closed buds, as they may not open in a vase. Cut the stem at an angle, 10–15 cm below the flower head, and leave the lower leaves and stems on the plant. It’s a perfect outing for friends or family – everyone can choose their own favourite shade. Plus, the gentle buzz of bees and butterflies around the flowers adds a lovely soundtrack to your harvest.
Once you’re home, these flowers are incredibly versatile for decoration. Remove the lower leaves, put the stems in clean water at room temperature (not in the fridge), and recut them every 2–3 days; they’ll last about 5–7 days. Because heleniums have a charming, slightly wild appearance, they look fantastic in relaxed, rustic bouquets. Mix them with ornamental grasses, sedums, or late-summer dahlias for a warm, textural centerpiece. You can also dry them: hang small bunches upside down in a dark, airy spot, and use the dried petals in potpourri. Single stems placed in small bottles along a windowsill or mantlepiece create a cheerful, minimalist line. For a garden party, float a few flower heads in a shallow bowl of water – they’ll drift like little suns.
Heleniums are for looking at, not for eating: they are mildly toxic if eaten, the sap may irritate your skin, and they are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep your bouquet out of their reach.