Bring the beautiful profusion of papery-white flowers to your garden throughout spring with Helipterum. Enjoy their compact, evergreen form year round, bringing a dainty cottage vibe to your garden.
Planting Calendar
Prepare
Position
Helipterum are best grown in full sun or light shade. Select a place that gets afternoon sun.
Soil
When planted into the ground Helipterum like a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains water storage crystals, helping maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Helipterum need adequate watering all through the growing season. Water slowly, allowing water to sink to the bottom of the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil’s surface. Helipterum do not like having their roots sit in water so ensure the soil is free-draining. If planted in pots, never allow the pot to sit in water. Water well in summer to keep the soil moist, preferably in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
Feeding
Feed the plants with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster fortnightly throughout the growing season. You can also add Tui Premium Novatec slow release fertiliser once in spring and once in summer to keep the feeding going all season.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Pruning
A light trim a couple of times in the season can keep the plant looking tidy. Removing the dead (spent) flowers will promote more flowering.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers, always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helipterum?
Helipterum is a genus of flowering plants known for their bright, daisy-like flowers. They are often used in gardens for their vibrant colours and long-lasting blooms.
How do I plant Helipterum?
Plant Helipterum in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Sow the seeds directly in the garden during spring or start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost.
How often should I water Helipterum?
Helipterum need adequate watering all through the growing season. Water slowly, allowing water to sink to the bottom of the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil’s surface. Helipterum do not like having their roots sit in water so ensure the soil is free-draining. If planted in pots, never allow the pot to sit in water. Water well in summer to keep the soil moist, preferably in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
What pests and diseases affect Helipterum?
Helipterum is generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally be affected by aphids or fungal diseases. Regular inspection and proper watering can help prevent these issues.
When does Helipterum bloom?
Helipterum typically blooms from late spring to early autumn, producing a profusion of colourful flowers that can brighten up any garden.