Plains coreopsis, with its bright golden blooms accented with deep red centers, is a beloved wildflower across much of North America. This cheerful plant has graced meadows and prairies for centuries, adding a pop of color and attracting pollinators wherever it grows. But a key question about plains coreopsis has long puzzled gardeners – is it an annual or a perennial? In this article, we’ll explore the confusing life cycle of this beautiful plant and provide tips on how to grow it successfully.
The Tricky Nature of Plains Coreopsis
Plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is native to most of the United States as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in prairies, meadows, open woodlands roadsides, and disturbed sites. This versatile plant can grow in a variety of soil types and moisture levels. Plains coreopsis reaches 1-4 feet tall on upright branching stems lined with lacy, fern-like leaves.
From early summer into fall the stems terminate in showy daisy-like flower heads up to 2 inches across. The petals are golden yellow surrounding a maroon or brown central disk. These bright blossoms attract butterflies bees, beneficial insects, and other pollinators. Birds also relish the seeds later in the season.
So what’s the confusion about whether plains coreopsis is annual or perennial? The answer is,it’s complicated! This plant can behave either way depending on the conditions,
Here’s an overview of the factors that determine if plains coreopsis will act as an annual or short-lived perennial:
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Climate – In warmer climates like the southern U.S., plains coreopsis may persist for 2-3 years. Meanwhile, in colder zones, it often dies back completely in winter and regrows from seed the following year like an annual.
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Soil moisture – Wet soil tends to shorten the lifespan of plains coreopsis. It fares better as a short-lived perennial in drier soils.
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Disturbance – Plains coreopsis thrives with some soil disturbance, which helps it reseed prolifically. In intensely disturbed or cultivated sites, it acts more like an annual. In stable prairie habitats, it may persist longer.
Growing Tips for Plains Coreopsis
Whether it thrives as an annual or perennial in your area, plains coreopsis is a great addition to gardens and meadows. Here are some tips for success growing this beautiful wildflower:
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Sunny spot – Provide full sun for best growth and maximum flowers.
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Well-drained soil – Avoid wet, heavy clay soil which can shorten its lifespan. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal.
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Disturb the soil – Lightly disturb the soil surface yearly to mimic its natural prairie habitat. This exposes seeds and triggers new germination.
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Don’t overcrowd – Allow plenty of space between plants. Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches apart.
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Deadhead flowers – Removing spent blooms promotes reblooming through fall. But leave some flowers if you want self-sown seeds.
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Divide mature plants – Large perennial clumps can be divided every 2-3 years to rejuvenate.
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Cut back in fall – Prune spent plants to 2-4 inches for overwintering. Apply mulch in cold climates.
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Fertilize lightly – Use a balanced organic fertilizer in spring if plants need a boost. Too much nitrogen can cause floppiness.
Follow these tips, and plains coreopsis will thrive and spread quickly to form a beautiful golden carpet in your meadow or garden. Enjoy its long flowering season as you observe how it behaves in your own climate and conditions.
How to Grow Plains Coreopsis from Seed
Starting plains coreopsis from seed is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps for success:
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When to plant – Sow seeds in late fall or early spring. Fall planting mimics natural winter dormancy and chilling required for germination.
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Prepare soil – Work soil to a fine, smooth texture. Rake and remove any debris.
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Planting depth – Sow seeds on soil surface. Don’t cover with soil, as light exposure aids germination.
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Seed spacing – Scatter seeds evenly. Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches apart after emergence.
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Watering – Keep soil moist for 3-4 weeks after planting to ensure good germination and establishment.
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Maintenance – Control weeds when plants are small. Fertilize when flowers appear. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
With proper sowing and care, plains coreopsis grown from seed will provide the first blooms within two months of germination. Reseeding itself, this wildflower should delight you with years of golden color.
Hybridization and Cultivars
In addition to the species plains coreopsis, there are some popular hybrids and cultivars available:
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‘Golden Roulette’ – Blooms earlier than species with larger 2-3 inch golden flowers.
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‘Rising Sun’ – 18-24 inches tall with golden petals surrounding large red centers.
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‘Sienna Sunset’ – Vibrant burnt-orange petals and maroon center. Grows 12-15 inches tall.
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‘Sweet Dreams’ – Creamy white petals blushed with pink around a yellow and red eye. About 12 inches tall.
These hybrids behave as annuals in most regions since they lack the hardiness of the plains coreopsis species. But they provide a diverse range of flower colors and plant sizes. Grow them as striking annuals or in containers.
Enjoying the Beauty of Plains Coreopsis
With its bright blossoms lighting up meadows and gardens for months, plains coreopsis is a treasured wildflower across North America. Appreciate its resilient nature as both annual and short-lived perennial depending on local conditions. This cheerful plant thrives with simple care, rewarding the grower with vivid floral color, attracting pollinators, and reseeding freely. Include plains coreopsis in your own landscape, and you’re sure to fall in love with its golden beauty!
Coreopsis attracts butterflies, beneficial insects, and birds
A research study in the mid-Atlantic region (Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware) identified at least 29 different species of pollinators visiting Coreopsis:
Coreopsis is good for birds as well as butterflies and bugs, as long as you let the plants grow for the seeds.
The only problems are that you might get fewer flowers and they might spread to other parts of your garden where you don’t want them. For more flowers, you could keep them trimmed back during the season, but let them go to seed in the fall for the birds. You may, then, have to easily weed out some seedlings next spring if they self-sow.
Coreopsis (pronounced “core-ee-OP-siss”) is the name it is usually given, but it is also called “tickseed” because the seeds look like ticks. This is an example of a common name that doesn’t do this flower in the aster or daisy family justice.
Coreopsis comes from the Greek words “koris,” which means “bug,” and “opsis,” which means “like a bug.” The name of the plant also refers to the seeds. ”.
These plants were popular many years ago, when they were mostly sold as species and not many choices. Those growing them were the original native plant enthusiasts.
Coreopsis has become much more popular, grown, and sold in recent years. This is in part because many new types have been bred. There are at least 80 different species of coreopsis and many selections and hybrids of them. About half the species are native to North America, the other half to Central or South America.
Some coreopsis are perennial—living more than one year, others are annual—living for only one year.
To make the best choice about which coreopsis to plant, you should first find out if the plant you want is an annual or a perennial in your area. Some may be perennial in warmer climates, but not live over winter in colder climates.
Use annual coreopsis in front of taller summer perennials such as garden phlox, bee balm, or coneflowers. Annual coreopsis also looks great in containers on patios or balconies.
Make sure to check the hardiness zone ratings on the plant description or label.
Being in the right hardiness zone is important for perennial plants, but coreopsis needs more than just cold weather to survive the winter.
Soil plays a big part in winter hardiness. If the soil is sandy and stays dry all winter, Coreopsis plants do much better than if it stays too wet.
The Mt. A study in Cuba and Delaware of 94 different coreopsis plants found that those with underground stems (rhizomes) were much more likely to survive the winter than those that grew in groups.
If you water and fertilize the annual species and its varieties regularly, they may do better through the summer and into the fall. Cutting off each spent flower (called “deadheading”) takes a little while, but it keeps the plant blooming longer than if you cut them all off at once. The latter is quicker and easier but may leave the plants with no blooms for 3 weeks.
Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), growing and how to Save Plains Coreopsis seeds
FAQ
Do coreopsis come back every year?
How do I know if my coreopsis is annual or perennial?
Does plains coreopsis reseed?
Are plain coreopsis invasive?
Is Coreopsis a perennial?
Some coreopsis plants are perennials in USDA zones 3–9, while some are annuals. Plant coreopsis in well-draining soil that receives six to eight hours of full sun daily for the best bloom production. The plant tolerates light shade, but the bloom is not as robust. After the last frost in spring, sow coreopsis seeds outdoors in prepared soil.
Is plains coreopsis a good plant?
Plains Coreopsis has several key benefits that make it an attractive addition to a garden. It is drought tolerant, surviving in the dry plains of Nebraska and South Dakota with ease. The numerous blooms mean you can have a seemingly endless supply of cut flowers. And this is all in addition to being showy while attracting wildlife.
How many plains coreopsis should I plant?
Plains Coreopsis looks best when multiple specimens are planted together. You do not want a single plant in a flowerbed, as it just looks lonely. So, plant groups of 10-20 plants for an impressive display. It can also be beneficial to plant them amongst other flowers to provide support.
Are Coreopsis tolerant?
These flowers are tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions. Coreopsis will grow well in USDA climate zones 4 through 9. Most varieties thrive in heat and humidity. These plants tend to be tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions and can be grown in most gardens. Annuals will die after the first hard frost.
