The Genus Heliopsis: Development of Varieties and Their Use in the European Gardens After the Mid 19^th Century

Abstract

This review summarizes data on the development of varieties in historic gardens of the once very popular Ox-eyes (Heliopsis Pers., Asteraceae: Zinniinae) a er the mid 19 th century, with regard to the development of varietal assortments in the periods corresponding to the most important architectural styles and to their fl uctuating popularity. Old varietal assortments, usually derived from large-fl owered H. helianthoides var. scabra, now rapidly disappear and the oldest varieties, including the once famous Lemoine's selections, are virtually inaccessible. Until recently the most propagated Götz's and Förster's varieties also disappear and are replaced by modern, relatively smallfl owered selections delivered from H. helianthoides var. helianthoides or patent protected variegated varieties. Neither of these groups, however, is applicable to the restoration of historic gardens. Tables show data on the origin of about eighty both still cultivated and vanished varieties.