Coreopsis

Coreopsis "Jethro Tull"

Coreopsis "Rising Sun"

Common and Botanical Name:

Coreopsis are sometimes called Tickseed.

Hardiness Zones:

Tickseed, or Coreopsis, is hardy in zones 3-8.

Bloom Time & Color:

Coreopsis typically bloom bright yellow, daisy like flowers all summer and into the fall. It is known for its long bloom season.

Plant Category:

Coreopsis is an herbaceous perennial.

Foliage:

The foliage of most Coreopsis is green, with cut leaves or a fern-like, thread-leaf look. Generally the foliage is a nice clump below the flowers which are lifted up above the foliage on long, wiry stems.

Growth Habit:

Some Coreopsis plants are very compact, while others are more informal and sprawling in growth habit. All are bushy and well-formed plants.

Dimensions:

Most Coreopsis grows around 2' although it can vary drastically between cultivars. This plant is so popular in the garden that many new hybrids have been produced to allow a Coreopsis for any purpose in the garden.

Preferred Conditions:

The Coreopsis is very easy to grow and will tolerate any soil except waterlogged soil. It prefers lean, sandier soils and requires little watering once established. Full sun is preferred for prolific blooms. Very little fertilizer, if any, is needed, especially once established.

Maintenance:

Little fertilizer and watering is needed for Coreopsis once established. Dig up your Coreopsis clumps every three years or so to divide in the fall after blooming or in the early spring. Deadheading will encourage prolific blooming.

Pests or Diseases:

No major diseases or pests impact Coreopsis health.

Propagation Methods:

You can grow Coreopsis from seed by planting once the ground is 70 degrees, but with the perennial varieties you will get blooms right away the first year by purchasing established plants. Propagation also occurs through division.

Companion Plants:

Any of the other prairie garden type plants such as 'Mango Meadowbrite' Echinaecea, False indigo, or Delphinium would make great companions for the Coreopsis. Also, consider combining with contrasting, vertical plants such as Allium or Daylilly. In terms of color the Coreopsis combines well with almost any other plant.

Seasons of Interest:

Coreopsis has interest spring through fall with attractive foliage color and texture. It also has winter interest when the dried foliage turns cinnamon brown and creates a fine-textured effect. Of course, the real spotlight comes from the cheerful blooms that fill the garden with color all summer and autumn long.

Uses in the Garden:

The drought-tolerant nature of the Coreopsis makes it a great plant for container gardens, xeriscaping or near the road or mailbox where it won't get watered everyday. Give it a prime spot in the cut flower garden as well. Cottage, native prairie or informal borders it excels in, however several cultivars stay compact enough to make a great mass planting in a formal bed as well.

Other Uses:

Coreopsis makes great cut flowers with blossoms held on long wiry stems. The flowers last a long time in water.