If you want a garden full of cheerful color that practically takes care of itself, look no further than coreopsis varieties. These vibrant and easy to grow plants are a gardener’s dream, offering a long season of blooms with minimal fuss.
Often called tickseed, coreopsis brings sunshine to your borders from early summer right through to fall. Their daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, gold, pink, and red bob happily on slender stems, attracting butterflies and making excellent cut flowers. Best of all, they are tough, drought-tolerant perennials that thrive with a bit of neglect.
Coreopsis Varieties – Vibrant and Easy to Grow
This isn’t just one plant. The coreopsis family is wonderfully diverse, with options for every garden style. Whether you need a low-growing edge for a path or a tall statement in the back of a bed, there’s a variety for you.
Popular Types for Your Garden
Here are some standout coreopsis varieties, each with its own special charm. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.
* Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’: This is a classic for good reason. It produces a cloud of delicate, soft lemon-yellow flowers over fine, thread-like foliage. It’s long-blooming and pairs beautifully with almost anything.
* Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’: A tougher, more compact version of ‘Moonbeam’ with brighter golden flowers. It’s incredibly heat and drought resistant, perfect for hot, sunny spots where other plants might struggle.
* Coreopsis ‘Rouge Star’: If you love pink, this one is for you. It features rich, ruby-red centers that bleed into soft pink petals. It’s a strong grower and keeps its color well without fading.
* Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis): This group, including ‘Moonbeam’ and ‘Zagreb’, is known for its fine, airy foliage and prolific flowering habit. They spread gradually to form handsome clumps.
* Coreopsis grandiflora (Large-flowered Coreopsis): As the name suggests, this type has bigger, bolder flowers. ‘Early Sunrise’ is a favorite, with fully double golden blooms that can even flower in its first year from seed.
* Coreopsis ‘Jethro Tull’: A unique variety with fluted, semi-tube-shaped petals that glow a warm, golden yellow. It adds fantastic texture and is a reliable performer.
How to Plant and Care for Coreopsis
Getting coreopsis established is straightforward. Their main demand is simple: plenty of sun.
Planting Steps
Follow these easy steps for success:
1. Pick the Sunniest Spot: Choose a location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. More sun means more flowers.
2. Check the Soil Drainage: Coreopsis need well-drained soil. They hate having wet feet, especially in winter. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost or grit to improve drainage.
3. Dig and Plant: Dig a hole about twice as wide as the plant’s pot. Place the coreopsis in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill and Water: Fill in around the plant, gently firm the soil, and give it a thorough drink to settle it in.
Simple Ongoing Care
Once settled, coreopsis asks for very little. Here’s how to keep them looking their best.
* Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, they are very drought-tolerant. Only water during prolonged dry spells.
* Feeding: Too much fertilizer can cause floppy growth. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is plenty. Sometimes they don’t need any at all.
* Deadheading: To encourage non-stop blooming, snip off spent flowers. For large clumps, you can use shears to trim the whole plant back by about one-third after a flush of blooms—it will quickly regrow and flower again.
* Dividing: Every 2 to 3 years in early spring or fall, you can dig up the clump and divide it with a shovel. This rejuvenates the plant and gives you new plants for free!
Design Ideas for Using Coreopsis
Coreopsis are team players in the garden. Their cheerful colors and informal style work in many settings.
Try pairing them with plants that have contrasting forms or colors. They look stunning with spiky flowers like salvia or veronica. They also complement the bold shapes of ornamental grasses beautifully. For a classic cottage garden look, let them mingle with coneflowers, catmint, and lavender.
They are perfect for sunny borders, wildflower meadows, and even container gardens when you choose compact varieties. Their long stems and lasting flowers also make them a great addition to summer bouquets.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While famously easy-going, coreopsis can have a few problems. Luckily, they are usually simple to manage.
The main threat is crown or root rot in poorly drained, soggy soil. This is why good drainage is non-negotiable. You might also see powdery mildew on some varieties late in the season; improving air circulation helps prevent this.
Aphids or slugs may visit occasionally, but they rarely do serious damage. A strong spray of water usually handles aphids. If plants become to leggy or stop flowering heavily, a good trim often solves the problem.
FAQ About Coreopsis
Do coreopsis come back every year?
Most coreopsis are perennial, meaning they return year after year. A few are annual, so it’s always good to check the plant tag when you buy.
How do you keep coreopsis blooming all summer?
Regular deadheading is the key. Removing the old flowers prevents the plant from going to seed and tells it to produce more buds instead.
Should coreopsis be cut back in the fall?
It’s better to leave the foliage standing over winter. It provides a bit of protection for the crown and offers interest for birds. You can cut the stems down to a few inches in early spring before new growth begins.
Are coreopsis deer resistant?
Yes, they are generally considered deer resistant. Deer tend to avoid their textured foliage, which is another great reason to plant them.
Can coreopsis grow in pots?
Absolutely! Choose a compact variety and use a pot with excellent drainage. Use a good quality potting mix and water a bit more frequently than plants in the ground.
With there bright, enduring flowers and tough nature, coreopsis varieties are a cornerstone of the low-maintenance garden. By choosing a few types that catch your eye and giving them a sunny spot, you’ll be rewarded with months of vibrant color and very little work. It’s hard to find a more generous plant for your summer landscape.