Coreopsis

Botanical/Latin
   Coreopsis

Pronunciation
   Kor-ee-OP-sis

Common Name
   Tickseed

Hardiness zone range
   3 - 8

General Comments
Coreopsis are universally acknowledged as being among the most reliable and rewarding of all perennials. It is hard to imagine a garden that does not have a least a few sunny spaces filled with them.

Long and persistent bloomers, the daisy-like flowers are carried in great abundance from early summer into the fall, and are either displayed close to the spreading foliage or on strong stems that hold them well above the clumps of leaves.

Uses
The neat, compact habit and highly colorful display mean they can be used in small groups, or even as individuals to generate a lot of color in a small area. Beds by the front door, along the edges of paths and driveways, or by the mail box are favorite places for these vibrant inhabitants. They are even more impressive when massed in bold plantings; the combined effect is truly stunning when they are placed in large groupings of ground cover on banks, borders, or island beds. As in nature, they are "at home" in wild flower meadows, naturalizing with ease and bringing hordes of butterflies and birds to visit the flowers and seed heads.

They make great cut flowers, lasting up to 2 weeks and often opening even when cut tight in bud.

Light Preference
Full sun

Culture
They grow in all but waterlogged soils. They thrive best in light, sandy soils in sunny positions. They tolerate dry conditions well, and will even give a good display in impoverished poor soils.

Generally free from pest and disease problems, they require little maintenance except removing old flower stems after flowering.

It is also a good idea to lift and divide the clumps about every 3 or 4 years. This can be done in autumn or early spring. It helps to keep them vigorous and healthy and, of course, provides more plants. Be careful not to over fertilize; they are better kept "on a lean diet". While they tolerate drought well, they respond to watering with added lushness and extra flowering.

Background
The botanical name Coreopsis comes from the Greek words Koris and Opsis referring to the resemblance of the seeds to a small bug. The common name is a development of this. Our modern day hybrids and varieties are selections from North American species that inhabit prairies and thicket areas where they compete with grasses and other vegetation. This tough, resilient disposition combines with the abundance of flowering to make them stand out as garden plants with superior merit.

Splendor Suggestions
Consider planting some near a window, patio, or other frequently used place to encourage and enjoy watching butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are a wonderful source of nectar and will ensure constant activity throughout the season.

This can be fascinating for young children and anyone who is house-bound or ill.

Companion Plants
The various forms and types of Coreopsis enjoy the same conditions and associate well together, so think about building upon success by planting other Coreopsis in groups that will broaden the range in height and habit.

The upright, vertical habit of Hemerocallis (Daylilies) breaks the low spreading and clumping shapes, while the many flower color options provide the opportunity to build harmonious color combinations. Be as bold as you like with the bright, vivid ambers, oranges, reds, purples, yellows, and golds, or be cool and conservative with the soft, creamy white of Hemerocallis 'Joan Senior' and the delicate shading of 'Lullaby Baby'. Kniphofia (red hot pokers), Liatris, and Grasses are other spiky foliaged alternatives.

Conversely, the low spreading habit and glaucous, purplish foliage of Sedum 'Vera Jameson' or the soft, furry nature of Alchemilla mollis work well with the ones that perch their flowers well above the foliage.