Coreopsis verticillata L.

Nomenclature

This species is currently known by the scientific name Coreopsis verticillata L., and was previously classified as Anacis verticillata.

Growth Habit

It is an herbaceous perennial that grows 2–3 ft (1–1 m) tall and about 2 ft (1 m) wide. Because it spreads laterally via rhizomes, its spread can exceed this width.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems are wiry.

Flower Head Structure

The flower heads grow up to 2 in (51 mm) across, and both disc florets and ray florets are bright yellow.

Flowering Period

Abundant clustered flowers are produced from midsummer through fall.

Natural Habitat

This species is commonly found in dry, thin woods and open pinelands, and it prefers sites with full sun exposure.

Tolerance Traits

It can tolerate drought, poor soil, extreme heat, and neglect.

Horticultural Cultivar Ease of Growth

Horticultural cultivars of this species are not difficult to grow, making them good starter plants for beginning gardeners in the U.S.

Cultivar Garden Traits

They have a long flowering season and are relatively free of pests and diseases. They attract butterflies and are deer resistant.

Cultivar Growing Uses

They can be grown in hanging baskets and containers, where irrigation will be necessary, or as border plants.

Companion Planting Note

Carolyn Singer, in "Deer in My Garden", reports that this species is a good companion plant with other summer-blooming perennials that require similar growing conditions.

Award-Winning Cultivars

Three notable cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Cultivar 'Grandiflora' Traits

Cultivar 'Grandiflora' is taller than other cultivars, with slightly larger flowers.

Cultivar 'Moonbeam' Traits

Cultivar 'Moonbeam' produces pale, sulphur-yellow flowers, has slightly shorter growth, and was chosen as the 1992 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.

Cultivar 'Moonbeam' Market Demand

When this cultivar was first introduced to the market, demand outstripped supply in some localities due to its high popularity.

Cultivar 'Zagreb' Traits

Cultivar 'Zagreb' is shorter than most Anacis or Coreopsis species, and blooms with bright yellow flowers.