The flowers may look dainty, but dont be fooled: Coreopsis is one tough plant.
Coreopsis is a highly adaptable group of plants, easy to use in nearly all garden parameters.
The tender perennial and annual coreopsis plants are available in an array of colors and patterns.
Credit: Marty Ross
With bright little blossoms, coreopsis is a great companion plant forornamental grassesand other tough annuals and perennials.
Coreopsis typically begins blooming in early summer, and the blossoms can last a while.
Less-hardy varieties tend to be longer-blooming, especially whendeadheaded regularlyto encourage new blossoms.
Credit: Marty Ross
Coreopsis height varies by bang out, with dwarf varieties remaining under 2 feet tall.
Some varieties extend creeping rhizomes, creating dense stands of the plant.
Plant coreopsis in well-draining soil that receivessix to eight hours of full sundaily for the best bloom production.
Credit: Bert Klassen
The plant tolerates light shade, but the bloom is not as robust.
Don’t cover the seeds; they need light to germinate.
Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
The soil doesnt need to be amended if it drains well.
As the seedlings grow, thin them to 12 to 18 inches apart.
Keep them warm and moist until they germinate.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Transplant annual coreopsis plants outdoors in spring.
Perennial coreopsis can be transplanted outside anytime between spring and early fall.
Coreopsis is often available as a nursery-grown plant.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Plant it in spring or early summer in a prepared bed.
Dig a hole the same depth as the nursery container and only a little wider.
Set the plant in the hole at the same level it was in the container.
‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis is a more compact cultivar of a native plant.Credit: Mark Kane
Backfill with soil and tamp it down.
Water regularly until the plant is established.
Coreopsis Care Tips
Coreopsis can survive inless-than-ideal conditions.
Credit: Susan Gilmore
Theyre known to thrive along roadsides and in ditches.
Comparatively, gardens provide ideal conditions, even when the soil is subpar.
Light
These drought-tolerant plants require lots of sun.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
In shade, coreopsis doesnt bloom as well, becomes leggy, and is prone to foliar diseases.
It tolerates summer humidity and drought conditions.
Fertilizer
Do not fertilize coreopsis plants at any stage of their growth.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
Applying fertilizer reduces flower production and leads to spindly plants.
Pruning
Perennial coreopsis is a long-blooming plant that can be coached into reblooming by meticulous deadheading.
Cut the flower stalk with the dead bloom back to the ground.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Annual coreopsis doesnt require deadheading.
Prune coreopsis for cosmetic purposes or to remove dead or damaged stems at any time during the season.
After frost in the fall,cut perennial coreopsis plantsdown to about 6 inches from the ground.
Credit: Tim Murphy
A container with drainage holes and well-draining soil is all that is needed.
You dont need to worry about repotting annual coreopsis because it only lasts one year.
As for perennial coreopsis, cut the foliage back to 6 inches each winter; repotting may be unnecessary.
Pests and Problems
Although relatively pest-free, coreopsis is known to attractaphidsand coreopsis beetles.
Treat aphids and beetle larvae with commercial insecticidal soap.
Deal with adult beetles by flicking them off the plant into a jar of soapy water.
How to Propagate Coreopsis
Coreopsis can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
Seeds:Seed heads form at the site of a dead or dying flower.
Then, crush it to harvest the seed.
Division:Use a spade tolift an entire perennial coreopsisplant and root ball from the ground.
Choose a mature plant that is at least two years old.
Plant each division in the garden immediately and water well.
Cuttings:Cut a 4- to 6-inch piece of stem beneath a node at a 45F angle.
Remove all the leaves except for those at the top of the cutting.
Dip eachcutting into rooting hormoneand insert it into a pot ofvermiculite or perliteuntil only the top leaves are showing.
Moisten the planting medium, and place the pot in a bright, warm place.
Check for roots in two or three weeks by gently tugging a leaf.
After the cuttings develop a healthy root system, they can be planted in the garden.
These make an excellent alternative for late-summer andfall plantings.
It tends to be short-lived and prefers Zones 49.
It grows to about 2 feet tall.
Limerock Dream Coreopsis
CoreopsisverticillataLimerock Dream is usually grown as an annual but is hardy in Zones 69.
It produces two-tonepink flowerswith feathery leaves.
This variety requires good soil drainage over winter.
It is generally grown as an annual but is hardy in Zones 79.
Moonbeam Threadleaf Coreopsis
Coreopsis verticillataMoonbeam, a threadleaf variety, is a stalwart in thesunny perennial border.
It is self-cleaning and has a long season of pale yellow daisies.
Plant this beauty in Zones 49.
Pink Coreopsis
Coreopsis roseais one of the oddballs of the family.
It has pink flowers instead of the usual yellow and prefers more moisture than other varieties.
Divide the spreading clumps yearly to keep them growing vigorously.
Its suited for Zones 38.
This is a reliable pick for Zones 49.
What most have in common are beautiful, tall flower spikes and attractive, often gray-green leaves.
Theyre valued for their long bloom season, which extends right up until frost.
Veronica
Easy and undemanding,veronicascatch the eye in sunny gardens over many months.
Provide full sun, average, well-drained soil, and extend bloom time with regular deadheading.
Yarrow
Yarrow lends a wildflower look to any garden.
Perhaps predictably, its easy to care for.
Its colorful, flat-top blooms rise above clusters of ferny foliage.
If deadheaded after the first flush of blooms fades, yarrow will rebloom.
If left to dry on the plant, flower clusters of some types provide winter interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Birds love it for the tasty seeds it provides.
Butterflies and other pollinators are drawn to it for its nectar.
Coreopsis will bring welcome wildlife to your garden while deer stay away.
Coreopsis is a short-lived perennial that usually lives for three to five years in the garden.
Its safe for people, too.
Yes, they spread by rhizomes.
