I have given up trying to grow Helenium in my garden because it needs a moist sunny spot. My gardens tend to be more on the dry, part shade side. Unless you know the conditions of your friend's garden I would suggest maybe looking for another plant, shrub, perennial with the name "Helen" in it. I know that there are daylilies with Helen in the name such as 'Helen Shooter', a lovely pale pink. There is a dark red peony called 'Mt.St.Helen's'. Both of these perennials are more permanent and longer lived than Helenium. There is also a late-blooming pink Preston Lilac named 'Helen'.
Anyway, you get the idea.

Hello Ann:
Ontnative's sugggestion of a daylily is a great idea since they are so long-lived.
I have Helenium (three varieties) growing in my Ontario garden with ease, some in part shade, some in full sun, all in flower right now. This was one of the first perennials I winter sowed back in 2006, and it flowers in the first year. First year plants are about 18 inches high, but the plants grow up to 4 feet in the second year, make great cut flowers (I have been using them for my Thanksgiving table for the past 4 years), flower right up to frost. These have been one of the easiest plants for me to grow with no pests or disease, but I don't know how they will fare in your area. I have seeds left from last year, but I will be saving seeds again this year and will be happy to send you some. I believe they need a cold period so winter sowing would be your best method. Just drop me an e-mail if you need some.
Northerner.