Helicopterus 'Pierrot Red' organic

Organic 'Pierrot Red' Helipterum roseum from Gaia seed company, a striking annual with intense red flowers perfect for fresh and dried bouquets

The heliptera 'Pierrot Red' is a spectacular heritage annual producing vibrant red, papillose flowers set against a striking black and yellow center . Its luminous blooms last all summer, borne on a bushy, branching plant with fine, lance-shaped leaves. Undemanding, heat-tolerant, and ideal for rock gardens , borders , and dry beds , it creates an airy texture in the garden while also providing excellent cut flowers. The long-lasting blooms are beautifully dried for arrangements.

Companion plants : Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Echinacea, Yarrow, Coreopsis, Gaillardia, Mugwort
Negative plants : Fern, Hosta, Astilbe, Impatiens, Begonia, Caladium (for overly humid environments)

Spread/Habit : Bushy and branching
Plant height : 30 to 45 cm
Quantity per packet : 45 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Intense red flowers, long-lasting in bouquets, excellent dried flower, ideal for dry soils, continuous summer flowering

Leaf color : Finely lanceolate, greyish-green
Texture/flavor : Dry, flaky petals, edible flowers
Cold tolerance : Down to 0°C (not hardy)

Farming method

Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Lightly cover the seeds 3 mm deep and keep the substrate consistently moist until germination, which occurs in 7 to 14 days at temperatures between 18 and 27°C . Transplant outdoors after all risk of frost has passed, in full sun (level 3) with light watering (level 1). Space plants 15 to 30 cm apart and rows 45 to 60 cm apart. Heliptera prefers dry, well-drained , and poor soils.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest fully open flowers for optimal quality. For dried arrangements, cut the stems early in the morning and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area until completely dry. Store dried flowers in a cool, dry, and dark place to preserve their color. For fresh use, place the stems in room-temperature water.

Usage ideas

• In dried bouquets , where their red/black hues create a strong visual impact
• Fresh flowers for summer arrangements
• In rock gardens or dry flowerbeds with lavender and artemisia
• In sunny spots for a vibrant touch of red
• In butterfly gardens, thanks to their nectar-rich flowers

The 'Pierrot Red' heliptera brings a burst of red to the garden, exceptional vase life, and remarkable ease of cultivation. A perfect heritage annual for gardeners who love bright, long-lasting flowers.