I decided to try some Helenium 'Mardi Gras' cuttings in a glass of water. It works! I had no idea you could root these this easily!
Helenium Cuttings
I'm trying to locate some plants here in Pretoria - good to know they can be propagated by cuttings. I will definitely give it a try. I tried seeds but wasn't able to get one to germinate...