Coreopsis Planting Guide
Golden Weavers
Gardens with a plant here, one there and yards of mulch look trim, tidy and sometimes pretty sterile and contrived. As fans of a more natural look with blooms, texture and cool foliage capturing the eye everywhere, weavers are high on our "favorites" list. These are plants with neighborly dispositions, ones that work well with tall, bold stars, adding depth and dimension to your garden. Coreopsis top the list with endless cascades of starry golden flowers, threadlike (but not wimpy) stems and long blooming periods. For months of blooms, carefree natures and a willingness to thrive is a wide range of situation, add some coreopsis.
Outdoor Beds
- Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2"-3" to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available. While coreopsis aren't fussy about soil, they will not thrive in areas that are soggy.
- Site your plants where they will receive full sun. Light shade is also fine in regions where the sun is especially strong.
- Check the mature size and spacing information provided with each plant variety and design your placement accordingly. Dig holes and situate the plants so the soil level on the root ball from the pot is even with the soil in your bed. Tuck the plants in and tamp down the soil to remove any air pockets.
- After planting, water your coreopsis generously to settle the soil around the root ball. Root and top growth form in a few weeks, depending on soils and air temperature.
- Water periodically during the growing season, as needed, keeping in mind that weekly deep waterings are better than lighter drinks every day or two. An estimate of 1" of moisture per weeks is a good place to start.
- When your coreopsis flower feel free to snip blooms for bouquets. This will not hurt the plants and for some varieties it prolongs the blooming period.
- After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place, don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the plant for the future. Water as needed.
- In late fall, your plants' foliage will fade and wilt with the onset of colder nights. At this point you may clip the stems to within 3" of the ground. Fresh growth will develop in the spring. If you live in an area where the weather stays warm year round, just trim out dead stems or spent flowers to keep your plants looking their best.
- Your coreopsis will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.
Planters, Pots, Tubs and Urns
- Select large containers keeping in mind the mature size of your coreopsis. (See individual cultivar descriptions.) Fill your containers with well-drained, humus rich potting soil. Add peat moss or perlite to improve drainage, if needed. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes in your pots; your plants must never sit in waterlogged soil.
- Site your plants where they will receive full sun. Light shade is also fine in regions where the sun is especially strong.
- Check the mature size and spacing information provided with each plant variety. When planting in containers it's helpful to lay out your plant placement a little snugger than is recommended for beds, to create a full display. Dig holes and situate the plants so that the soil level on the root ball from the pot is even with that in your container. Tuck the plants in and tamp down the soil to remove any air pockets.
- After planting, water your coreopsis generously to settle the soil around the root ball. Root and top growth form in a few weeks, depending on soils and air temperature.
- Water periodically during the growing season as needed keeping in mind that weekly deep waterings are better than lighter drinks every day or two. An estimate of 1" of moisture per weeks is a good place to start. Modify as needed depending on your individual situation.
- When your coreopsis flower feel free to snip blooms for bouquets. This will not hurt the plants and for some varieties it prolongs the blooming period.
- After flowering has finished for the season leave the foliage in place, don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the plant for the future. Water as needed.
- In late fall, your plants' foliage will fade and wilt with the onset of colder nights. At this point you may clip the stems to within 3" of the ground. Fresh growth will develop in the spring. If you live in an area where the weather stays warm year round, just trim out dead stems or spent flowers to keep your plants looking their best.
- Your coreopsis will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.
