Coreopsis is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family. They are native to the Americas, ranging from Canada to Argentina. Coreopsis plants are known for their daisy-like flowers, which typically have yellow petals and a dark center. The plants are easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of soil types. They require full sun and well-drained soil. Coreopsis plants are also drought tolerant and can be grown in containers. They are attractive to bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to a garden.
Planning Your Garden With Coreopsis
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
Life Cycle | Coreopsis is a perennial. |
USDA Zone | Coreopsis is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. |
Cold Tolerance | Coreopsis is quite cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 32. |
Days to harvest | Coreopsis typically takes between 60 and 90 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
Average size | The average size of a full grown coreopsis plant is between 12 and 24 inches in height and 12 to 18 inches in width. |
Spacing requirements | Coreopsis should be planted about 18-24 inches apart for best results. |
Sun tolerance | Coreopsis is generally tolerant of full sun, although some varieties may need some afternoon shade in particularly hot climates. |
Shade tolerance | Coreopsis is moderately shade tolerant, but it prefers full sun for best growth and flowering. If planted in partial shade, it may not bloom as heavily as it would in full sun. |
Water requirements | Coreopsis requires well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers full sun and regular watering. During the growing season, water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During hot, dry weather, water more frequently to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month. |
Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing coreopsis depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil. If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, apply 1/4 to 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. |
Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing coreopsis is 6.0 to 7.5. |
Why Coreopsis is Popular
Coreopsis is a popular flower to grow because it is easy to care for and provides a bright and cheerful splash of color to any garden. It is a low-maintenance flower that blooms for a long period of time and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Coreopsis is also a butterfly and bee magnet, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their garden.
Companion Plants For Coreopsis
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for coreopsis include:
Common Pests For Coreopsis
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow coreopsis, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leaf miners
- thrips
- aphids
- caterpillars
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.