Helenium 'Chelsey'

Helenium 'Chelsey'

Helenium 'Chelsey' a new form of helenium late summer flowering perennial with unique bi-coloured, large flowers.  The crimson petals have bright yellow highlights. 
Prefers full sun and well drained conditions.

British Television news reporter Terry Lloyd was killed on 22nd March 2003 in Basra when the car he was travelling in was attacked. He was there reporting on the Iraq war for ITN.

In appreciation of the work carried out by The Red Cross to bring his body home for burial, his daughter, Chelsey Lloyd is now campaigning to raise funds for the charity.  

So upon discovering that a new perennial happened to bear the same name as hers, Chelsey asked if the variety could be used as a fundraiser in tribute to her father.

Helenium 'Chelsey' together with Chelsey Schippers, the girl the variety was named for.

The variety was actually named for Chelsey Schippers, the grand-daughter of Nic Geerlings, who selected the plant.

With the Geerlings family's blessing, and the support of Darwin PlantSpotters and retailers of the plant, Helenium 'Chelsey' has been adopted by Chelsey Lloyd as a part of her fundraising activities. 50p from each plant of Helenium 'Chelsey' purchased in the UK in 2005 will be donated to the charity.