Choosing Coreopsis

Traditional Favorites

Lance-leaved coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) tolerates heat and drought:
‘Early Sunrise’ a 1989 is an All-America Selection and European Fleuroselect award winner, yields semi-double flowers all summer.
‘Goldfink’ is only 10 inches high with single flowers.
‘Gnome’ is only 6 inches tall.

Threadleaf coreopsis (C. verticillata) features lacy, finely cut foliage; especially suited to drought-prone areas.
‘Moonbeam’ is 1992 Perennial Plant of the Year; has pale yellow flowers.
'Golden Showers' has golden flowers from mid to late summer.
'Zagreb' is compact and dwarf; spreads very slowly.

Bigflower coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) often included in wildflower mixes. Shows yellow-orange blooms mid-June into July. May last only two years, but it seeds itself generously.
‘Sunray’ a 1980 Fleuroselect winner, has 2-inch double flowers.
‘Sunburst’ is 18 inches tall with 3 inch wide flowers.
‘Double New Gold’ 18 inches tall with double flowers.

Other Coreopsis:
Rose coreopsis (C. rosea) has threadlike leaves and pink flowers; only moisture loving coreopsis.
Annual Coreopsis
Plains or dyer’s coreopsis (C. tinctoria) is an annual. It has yellow flowers with rusty red centers. ‘Nana’ is a dwarf form. ‘Atropurpurea’ has deep crimson flowers. ‘Flore pleno’ has double flowers.

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