Coreopsis flowers are so much fun in the garden landscape! These carefree perennials are literally covered with brilliant, freshly colored flowers all summer and into the fall.
Their single heads on tall, slim stems create a full habit that adds a bright playfulness to the garden. It looks beautiful as a lively accent near trees and shrubs, in containers or planted up on a green roof (like ours at the nursery is!).
The abundant flowers come in a broad array of colors and combinations from creamy yellow, radiant oranges and reds, to vibrant hot pink and are generally about 1-2” diameter each. Many species grow to around 2-3’ tall and wide, although some grow as small as 8” and others over 5’. The leaves vary from simple, dissected to ferny. Talk about diversity!
Coreopsis is a tough perennial that thrives in full sun in the cottage boarder, intense parking strip or mixed container. A versatile plant which combines well with echinacea, grasses and perovskia.
There are now literally dozens of varieties available of these long bloomers- Many are great cut flowers and attract butterflies. Coreopsis is a group that breeders are having fun playing with right now- which will mean more amazing types for us all to drool over! Below is listed a few of our new favorites and some classics you will want to try as well.
Double, rich yellow flowers 20”h, 18”w.
Award winner Zones 4-9.
Vigorous, compact plant 18”h & w.
Dark yellow semi-double flowers.
Great cut flower.
Zone 5-9.
Compact, free blooming yellow flowers with tubular petals.
12-18”h, 18-24”w
Zones 5-9
A gorgeous annual variety with rich, single mahogany flowers.
Grows 10”h&w.
Great for borders and containers.
Fine, feathery foliage is topped with 1” lemon yellow flowers June-August or September.
Grows 18” h&w.
Zone 4.
Bright rosy pink single flowers June-September.
Grows 24" tall 30"wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
Feathery foliage adds great texture to the garden as soon as it emerges in spring.
Bright yellow single flowers June-August or September. 12-18”h, 15”w
Zone 4.
The wild array of hybrid coreopsis includes:
Bread for good branching and low seed production which in turn promotes heavier flowering.
Stunning red petals with yellow tips.
Compact growing to 6-12" tall and wide.
Perfect for containers
Large, butter yellow flowers on a free blooming plant.
24-30”h, 18”w.
This fabulous plant has flowers that are yellow with a red eye in the heat of summer but change to more ruby tones as the weather cools.
24-30”h, 18”w.
Deep red single flowers June-September.
Grows 18"tall 24" wide.
A Terra Nova introduction with rosy pink flowers June through September.
Grows 18"tall 24"wide.
Hardy to zone 7
Stunning ruby red, single flowers with an irregular white edge.
24-26”h, 28”w
Zone 7-9.
Inventory varies daily April-October. Please contact us for current availability.
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Coreopsis.
Common Name: Tickseed
Origin: About 80 species of annuals and perennials widely distributed throughout the Americas, especially in the prairies through to the southwestern USA and Mexico
Culture: Full sun and average soil. Very rich or heavily fertilized soil can cause the plants to become floppy and overgrown. Good drainage is necessary.
Maintenance: Coreopsis are quite low maintenance. They are drought tolerant once established but benefit from some moisture when in bloom over the dry summer months. Be careful not to over-water or let the plant sit in standing water and keep fertilizing to a minimum. Tall varieties will need to be staked.
Coreopsis plants benefit from deadheading during their summer bloom period to encourage additional flowering. Cut entire plant back in winter after the first frost.
Older plants have a tendency to decline in vigor. To regenerate, dig up plant and separate the new growth from the older plant. Replant the newer sections and discard
Additional qualities: Attracts bees, butterflies and birds. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant. Great cut flowers.
Pests and Diseases: Mildew and root rot are the most common diseases- avoid overwatering or planting in soggy areas.
Protect against slugs as new growth emerges in the spring.
Coreopsis beetle is a new pest in the Portland area. It is especially active when night temperatures are above 55ºF, leaving skeletonized leaves. The adult beatles are black with cream stripes. They are best controlled by hand picking them off the plants. The larval stages can be controlled with Bt if caught early enough.
We have a wonderful selection of perennials year round, but if you are looking for a specific perennial we will have the best selection when it is in bloom around town. Note: Native plant pages will take you into the Native Plant section.
