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Large-flowered coreopsis

Coreopsis grandiflora

Common names:
large-flowered coreopsis, tickseed,

Content Detail

A bright yellow, long-blooming flower that has been a mainstay in perennial beds, this plant will bloom up to eight weeks in summer. It has showy flowers and attractive foliage. The flower has a ragged appearance due to the outer notches on the petals. The notch is an identifying characteristic which allows it to be distinguished from other coreopsis species.

  • Family (English) Aster (Composite)
  • Family (botanic) Asteraceae (Compositae)
  • Tree or plant type Perennial
  • Native locale North America
  • Size range Medium plant (12-24 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Other tolerances clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought
  • Season of interest early summer, midsummer
  • Flower color and fragrance Yellow
  • Shape or form Open

Size:

Grows 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, eventually forming a larger clump over time.

Native geographic location and habitat:

This perennial is native to the central and southern United States.

Pollinators and wildlife:

It has a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies

Leaf description:

Leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem. The medium green leaves are deeply lobed with three parts, the middle section being the longest.

Flower description:

Flowers are numerous, yellow, daisy-like, and sit at the end of long stems. Usually, the eight flower petals tend to look ragged, as they are notched.

Fruit description:

Fruit is flat and oblong (achene) with two scales at the tip.

Plant care:

Plant this perennial in full sun and in well-drained soil.  It may need staking in moist, fertile soils. Deadhead flower stems to prolong bloom time and divide clumps in the spring or fall. This plant is relatively short-lived. 

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:

Leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, and aphids are common problems, but none are particularly troublesome when planted in dry conditions. It is deer and rabbit resistant and somewhat tolerant of dry soils.

Sunray large-flowered coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Sunray’): 

Sunray has flowers with double petals and an eight to twelve week bloom time. 

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