Coreopsis Guide

Coreopsis, one of the most cheerful and easygoing ornamental plants, bursts with colorful flowers summer into fall. Shades of orange, pink, red, white, and yellow adorn hot, sunny landscapes with daisy-like blooms.

Why We Love Coreopsis

Enliven summer and fall landscapes, when other plants fade.
Prolific bloomers that self seed.
Drought-tolerant once established.
Low maintenance with minimal care.
Thrive in hot, dry sites, as well as in seaside/salt conditions.
Seeds attract songbirds, and nectar flows for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Versatile design options include garden beds, borders, containers, mass plantings, and slopes.
Deer and rabbit resistant.
Irresistibly charming as cut flowers for bouquets.

Growing Tips for Coreopsis

The night before planting, give Coreopsis a good drink of water. Cut off plastic wrap (if any) on top of the Bluestone biodegradable pot. All our packaging can be recycled.

Light: Pick a site that is full sun to mostly sunny.

Soil: Thrives in infertile, sandy, and rocky soils. Tolerates drought, low levels of salt, heat, and humidity. Do not over-fertilize or overwater or stems may become weak.

Water: Low water needs. Drought-tolerant once established.

Fertilizer: An initial feeding at planting time is sufficient.

Pruning and Dividing: Prune Coreopsis frequently throughout its blooming period by deadheading faded flowers to promote continuous flowering. Shearing the plant by 1/3 to 1/2 after blooming will encourage a more compact shape and may promote additional blooms in fall. Alternatively, you can wait until early spring before new growth starts and then prune. Clumps will spread by rhizomes and can be divided every 2-3 years. Coreopsis will also self-seed.

Winterizing: When growing season wraps up, after first hard frost, you can prune Coreopsis back to prepare it for winter dormancy. Trim to about 4-6 inches above the ground to remove old stems and stimulate healthy growth in spring. Leave new fall foliage growth at the base for overwintering.

You can find more detailed care instructions on each variety’s webpage.

A Sampling of Coreopsis Varieties

Coreopsis Crème Caramel Peachy colored blooms with golden centers refresh the garden summer through early fall. As temperatures cool, flowers take on an orange/salmony hue.

Coreopsis Lightning Bug will illuminate sunny spots from summer through frost. Blooms flicker with red centers framed by yellow petals, creating a visual allure. A true summer delight.

Coreopsis Moonbeam, a Perennial Plant of the Year, and Proven Winners® variety, this top performer fills borders and slopes with dainty moon-yellow flowers. Early summer to mid-fall Coreopsis Moonbeam creates a glowing ambience.

Coreopsis Shades of Rose awakens the senses with soft pink blooms that seem to float. Dried seed heads are a favorite of songbirds and flowers are frequented by pollinators.

Coreopsis for Continuous Cheer

Coreopsis plants bring breezy delight to hot summer days. Their dainty petals seem to dance and smile in the sun. Add some of these charms to the landscape for endless joy! Explore all of our Coreopsis Plants to find perfect choices for your happy place—the garden!