Coreopsis Plant Guide: How to Grow and Care for Coreopsis

The coreopsis species, also known as tickseed, is a yellow flower with green foliage that blooms all summer long. This yellow flowering plant offers natural birdseed for chickadees, finches, and sparrows, while its flowers entice hummingbirds, butterflies, and ladybugs. In addition to their visual appeal, coreopsis flowers tolerate heat, humidity, and droughts. The plant is both rabbit and deer resistant and grows well in shallow, rocky soil.

The coreopsis plant is part of the Aster family. There are many types of coreopsis, including annuals and perennials. Perennials have a long bloom season, making them popular for gardeners; however, perennial varieties can die out after a few seasons. Types of coreopsis include:

1. 1. Lobed or mouse-eared coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata): This species has orange-yellow, oval-shaped leaves forming clumps. It can reach two to three feet tall.
2. 2. Large-flowered coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora): Large-flower cultivars include 'Early Sunrise' and 'Jethro Tull', which feature fluted petals tightly packed to create a darker yellow center. The flowers have long, strong stems that hold up well in windy weather.
3. 3. Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): This variety is the most common type of coreopsis. Its daisy-like flowers grow best in sandy soil and direct sunlight, and the plant is easy to propagate. The plant has a stiff, slender stem and blooms from spring to summer. It’s not the most consistent blooming perennial, so divide the flowers every three to four years to help maintain their health.
4. 4. Pink coreopsis (Coreopsis rosea): This type of coreopsis features pink flowers. It has a long bloom season through late summer and will continue to have lighter bloom flushes until frost. Unlike many other coreopsis options, pink coreopsis does not produce seeds, so it won’t grow as aggressively as the others. This flower does best with clay soils, as root rot can be a challenge.
5. 5. Tall coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris): One of the tallest options available, the tall coreopsis ranges from five to eight feet tall and develops clear, yellow flowers from summer to early fall.
6. 6. Thread leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata): Thread leaf coreopsis has cultivars including 'Golden Dream', 'Moonbeam', 'Creme brulee', and 'Zagreb'. While most coreopsis plants self-seed, this spreads via underground rhizomes. The long bloom season, easy maintenance, and slightly creamier yellow hue make this option very popular. Deadhead the spent flowers to help prolong the bloom season for this variety.

Coreopsis have a hearty nature that helps them stay strong through the elements of a hot summer. Follow these steps to plant your coreopsis:

1. 1. Plant in sandy, well-drained soil. Most coreopsis varieties desire sandy, well-draining soil. You can lightly sprinkle a balanced, granular formula in the spring.
2. 2. Position the plants in direct sunlight. These plants are fairly tough, and can withstand heat. They grow best in full sun. In the shade they won’t bloom as well, and could even develop foliar diseases.
3. 3. Water the plant sparingly. Most coreopsis varieties are drought tolerant and grow best if left a little dry. Water your plant if the weather becomes significantly hotter.

While this hardy plant can withstand weather, pests, and other tough conditions, there are a few actions you can take to ensure it grows strong.

• Deadhead spent blooms. To keep the flower bloom season going for as long as possible, deadheading is essential. Simply find faded blooms around the base of the plant, remove a section carefully cutting an inch above a leaf or node, and either snip or pinch off the flower.
• Plant coreopsis with companion plants. To keep your garden looking bright and colorful year-round, plant companion plants that also hold up well to the elements alongside coreopsis, creating a lively wildflower look. Some great options include salvia, veronica, and yarrow.
• Shear to encourage long-blooming. Most coreopsis varieties’ bloom time begins in late spring or early summer and lasts into fall. Mid-summer, gardeners can shear up to half of their plants to encourage further blooming.

Most coreopsis varieties feature seeds that make them easy to propagate. Consider the following propagation methods:

1. 1. Seed propagation: This plant species typically develops a great amount of seeds that germinate quickly, making this the easiest option for new gardeners.
2. 2. Division propagation: In early spring, divide the plants before foliage appears and replant them in your garden. Doing this yearly will help keep your perennial bloom consistently every summer.
3. 3. Cuttings propagation: Using stem cuttings, you can propagate coreopsis by burying the cuttings. This method can be the most challenging.

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