Common Coreopsis

Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Botanical name: Coreopsis grandiflora
USDA Zone: Zones 4 to 9

Valued for its summer-long golden yellow blooms. Flowers rise on tall stems above narrow green leaves; single- and double-flowering types available. Blooms from late spring to summer. Short-lived perennial, lasting about two to three years in Southern gardens and about four years in the North. Plant size ranges from one to two feet tall and two feet wide.

How to use it: In masses or as a specimen. Use in a sunny, mixed perennial border.

Culture: Can be grown in moist, well-draining soil. Also does well in dry, rocky and sandy soils. Plant in full sun. Must be deadheaded to promote reblooming, but it's well worth the extra effort. Cut back to the base of the flower stem so as to remove unsightly flowerless stems. Propagated through seed or division. May self-sow in warmer areas. No problems with pests or diseases; may have problems with mildew, especially in coastal areas or areas with high humidity. Deadheading spent flowers helps with disease prevention and invasive self-seeding.

Special notes: Attracts wildlife, including butterflies. Drought and heat tolerant.

Selected cultivars