Back in 1998, Pieter Damen planted hundreds of Helenium seeds with the aim of developing some new, unusual and improved varieties to offer to the cutflower market.  

So he was looking for plants with a uniform height, good foliage, and a large number of flowers on long, strong stems.  

Nature is a funny thing, and despite Pieter's planting of varieties that posessed the various qualities he was hoping to mix, one plant stood head and shoulders BELOW the others!  

However, being so taken with the beautiful rich-ruby-red flowers that it produced, Pieter knew that this little plant must have a niche.  

He got in touch with Darwin PlantSpotters, where we were delighted to be able to tell him that it would be welcomed by gardeners!  

You can even try growing 'Ruby Tuesday' in a container

As much as 'Ruby Tuesday' is a very exciting prospect for people with limited border space, it can just as well be used nearer the front of larger borders too, where its deeply coloured flowers can be more closely appreciated.