Introduction
Seven species of coreopsis are native to the state of Florida. One species, Coreopsis leavenworthii, has been named Florida's state flower. Coreopsis are considered perennials as they reappear each year. These colorful plants have bright green leaves that can be either entire or lobed. These plants have single or double flowers that come in a variety of colors: orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow. These lovely flowers are held upright upon tall leafless stems that enable the blooms to be beautifully incorporated into flower arrangements. The flowers are borne in capitula with a small disc and the ray florets have dentate tips. These 1½ to 2inchwide flowers appear in the spring, summer, and fall.
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
General Information
Scientific name: Coreopsis spp.
Pronunciation: kor-ree-OP-sis species
Common name(s): tickseed, coreopsis
Family: Asteraceae
Plant type: herbaceous; annual
USDA hardiness zones: 4 through 10 (Figure 3)
Planting month for zone 7: May; Jun
Planting month for zone 8: Apr; May
Planting month for zone 9: Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: Mar; Apr
Origin: native to Florida
Invasive potential: may self-seed each year
Uses: edging; mass planting; attracts butterflies
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
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Description
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 3 feet
Plant habit: upright
Plant density: open
Growth rate: moderate
Texture: fine
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: lobed
Leaf shape: oblong
Leaf venation: not applicable
Leaf type and persistence: deciduous
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: not applicable
Fall characteristic: not applicable
Flower
Flower color: red; pink; purple; orange; yellow
Flower characteristic: spring flowering; summer flowering; fall flowering
Fruit
Fruit shape: no fruit
Fruit length: no fruit
Fruit cover: no fruit
Fruit color: not applicable
Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable
Current year stem/twig color: green
Current year stem/twig thickness: thin
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in full sun
Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
Drought tolerance: high
Soil salt tolerances: unknown
Plant spacing: 6 to 12 inches
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: not applicable
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant
Use and Management
Coreopsis species are generally short-lived and may only last 3 to 4 seasons. Try using these plants as a border or edge. They are also excellent for naturalizing and will reseed themselves. The stalks become long and weak and tend to break in windy or rainy weather. Dwarf varieties may be selected for more polished plants. C. lanceolata grows about 15 to 18 inches tall but is not well suited for central and south Florida.
Coreopsis requires a sunny position in the landscape. They prefer well-drained soils that are not too rich; rich soils and overwatering cause these plants to topple over. Keep the soil relatively moist and remove dead flowers immediately to prolong blooming. Taller species of coreopsis may need support. Place these plants 6 to 12 inches apart in the garden.
The cultivar 'Early Sunrise' flowers sooner than others.
Seed is the most common method of propagation for coreopsis. Division can also be accomplished in the spring or fall.
Pests and Diseases
Leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, leaf beetles, and mites may be occasional problems. Spotted cucumber beetles eat holes in the leaves.
Leaf spots may be seen but are usually not serious.