Coreopsis

Probably the most common of the group is Coreopsis grandiflora, commonly known as tickseed (figure A). It produces bright golden-yellow flowers from late spring to midsummer, especially if you take the time to deadhead the spent blossoms.

Another winner is C. verticillata 'Moonbeam' (figure B). Its bright yellow flowers are borne on stems up to two feet tall, and its leaves are much narrower than those of C. grandiflora. The species' common name is thread-leaved tickseed.

Another C. verticillata cultivar is 'Zagreb,' named after the Yugoslavian city (figure C). It grows more upright than its cousins, and its lacy foliage is topped by lemon-yellow flowers.

There are many more members of the genus worth trying--both annuals and perennials--and all are easy to grow, even in less than ideal soils. Most will grow in poor soils, provided they get plenty of sun. In addition to perking up the flower bed, they also make good container plants.