are a perfect choice.
With over 80 varieties ofcoreopsis, there’s a variety to suit every garden design.
They are native to North America, growing in upright clumps and flowering throughout the summer.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Coreopsis Care
Overall, coreopsis plants don’t require much care when grown in their preferred environment.
Select a planting site with lots of sun and good soil drainage.
The taller coreopsis varieties might need staking as they mature; otherwise, the stems might flop over.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
They can also grow in partial sun, but the plants might be lankier and not flower as profusely.
In climates with very hot summers, some afternoon shade is welcome.
Soil
These plants thrive in well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with a fairly neutral soil pH.
Coreopsis Grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’Bradley Olson / EyeEm / Getty Images
Heavy, wet clay soils should be amended with compost to help drainage.
Water deeply whenever the soil is dry, about an inch down.
Early morning watering is bestit allows the leaves a chance to dry out during the day.
Coreopsis Grandiflora ‘Golden Showers’The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
That being said, various species of coreopsis have differing levels of cold tolerance.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer isn’t necessary for coreopsis plants unless you have very poor soil.
Pruning Tip
Looking for the best pruners for your coreopsis plant?
Coreopsis Verticillata ‘Moonbeam’Michael Hütten / EyeEm / Getty Images
We tested10 top-rated prunersin our Lab to check that your plant stays happy and healthy.
Plant the seeds roughly 1/2-inch deep, and keep the soil lightly moist and warm.
Then, they’re ready to be planted in the garden.
Potting and Repotting Coreopsis
Coreopsis can be grown in containers.
Coreopsis need containers at least 8 to 10 inches deep and wide with ample drainage holes.
This plant’s roots do not tolerate soggy, standing water.
Once divided, replant the divided part in its container and backfill the rest with fresh soil.
Place the container in a spot with at least six to eight hours of full sun.
In the hot summer months, give more water than if it’s in the ground.
Containers heat up, and water evaporates from potting soil much sooner than in-ground plants.
Overwintering
Coreopsis are hardy plants.
Cut back the stems down to the ground.
Insulate the roots by layering 2 to 3 inches of mulch at the soil surface.
Remove the mulch after the threat of frost is over.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
For the most part, coreopsis plants grow problem-free.
But they might fall prey to snails, slugs, mildew, and fungal diseases in wet seasons.
Before turning to pesticides and fungicides, improve your plant’s environment.
Ensure it has plenty of air circulation to ward off pests and fungal problems.
And note whether it’s getting enough sunlight.
Divide overgrown clumps where the centers aren’t getting much air or light.
Some other signs to look for are irregular holes.
If you notice that your plant is struggling to bloom, too much shade may be to blame.
It’s important to reiterate that coreopsis does not need fertilizer.
If your coreopsis could use a boost, addorganic matteras compost to the soil instead.
Deadheading
Deadheading or removing the wilted bloomandstem can keep the plant blooming throughout summer and fall.
The plant will not form new flower buds on a stem that held a faded flower.
Common Problems With Coreopsis
Coreopsis is an easy plant to care for.
They are occasionally susceptible to bugs and diseases when their environmental factors are managed well.
Ensure they get water, sun, and the correct soil when planting them.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves are usually sparked by overwatering or insufficient nutrition.
If your plant has soggy soil, let it dry out before watering again.
The plant may have an iron or magnesium deficiency if you notice yellow patches between leaf veins.
With a magnesium deficiency, the leaf’s center yellows then the edges turn yellow last.
Signs of an iron deficiency can appear as young leaves on tops, and branch tips turn yellow first.
A sulfur deficiency is primarily indicated when the newest leaves are entirely yellow.
Yescoreopsis plants do not require much attention and tend to thrive on a bit of neglect.
Coreopsis plants can remain in good health for up to five years.
Replace your coreopsis plants with new plantings every few years.
Coreopsis plants grow moderately fast and will establish themselves in your garden within a few months.
However, when started from seed, coreopsis will not flower until their second year.
Some coreopsis are annuals, living only one year, and some are perennials, returning yearly.
Yes, coreopsis plants can spread by rhizomes and are also self-seeding plants.
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Threadleaf Coreopsis.University of Illinois Extension
