Types of Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a type of herb, though many like to plant it for its flowers. Other names for coreopsis include Calliopsis and tickseed. There are more than 114 species, with different species originating from South America, Central America and North America. You will frequently see caterpillars on coreopsis plants as they like to eat the plant. Coreopsis colors can range over orange, yellow or pink.

Perrennials
Perennial coreopsis plants can grow in areas where the weather is very cold. Perennial species can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Coreopsis grandiflora is a perennial species also known as the butter daisy. If you start the plant early in the spring, you can expect to see blooms the first year. The grandiflora species can grow as much as three feet tall. Coreopsis lanceolata is another perennial that will bloom all season long if you frequently remove dead flowers.

Annuals
Coreopsis tinctoria and coreopsis drummondi are the annual species. This annual type is frequently called calliopsis. This is a hardy plant that can grow to heights of three to four feet. It is a garden favorite because It grows very quickly, which makes it unfavorable for growing in pots or packs. Gardeners also use it as ground cover. Typical colors for coreopsis blooms include purple, garnet, crimson, chestnut and mahogany.

Dwarf
Dwarf species of coreopsis only reach a maximum heitht of 12 inches. Gardeners frequently use these plants as garden borders. The flowers are yellow with red blotches in the center or as completely red blooms. The plant will naturally reseed if you leave the blooms in place. Gardeners also use dwarf coreopsis flowers as cut flowers to fill out bouquets.

Threadleaf
Threadleaf varieties of coreopsis have leaves thinner than other types. The leaves will resemble small threads. The plant actually resembles a weed until the flowers begin to bloom. Typical types of threadleaf coreopsis include Golden Showers, Zagreb and Moonbeam. These types all have yellow flowers, though the shade of yellow varies. Over-watering will cause the threadleaf coreopsis to grow too much and not put out flowers.

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Coreopsis Flowers

Coreopsis flowers, also known as tickseed or calliopsis, are tall, daisy-like flowers. Available in a variety of colors, these flowers attract both butterflies and songbirds to your yard. Use coreopsis as an addition to your flower gardens and clip them to make colorful cut arrangements. Its name is derived from the Greek word for "bedbug," as the dried fruit of the coreopsis resembles an insect.

Types
Coreopsis is available in numerous colors including yellow, white, pink, gold, red and maroon. These colors may also be found in combination on the blooms of coreopsis. These flowers are typically tall, reaching heights as great as 30 inches, though some only grow to heights of eight inches. Coreopsis may spread out as little as eight inches but may take as much space as 35 inches in maturity. There are many varieties of coreopsis, including the pink American Dream, yellow Baby Sun, Creme Brulee and Domino, and white Snowberry.

Propagation
Coreopsis grow from seeds produced in pods from the plant's flowers, as well as cuttings and divisions. These seeds may be sown directly into your garden to produce more flowers. Seeds grow best in mid- to late spring after the danger of frost has passed, and during early fall. These seeds are not picky about soil quality or moisture. Coreopsis is self-seeding, meaning it drops its seeds onto the ground below and they grow without much care, so once the plants are established they practically maintain themselves with minimum effort on your part.

Care
Water coreopsis during extremely dry drought periods. Otherwise, average rainfall is enough moisture for the plants. Fertilize the flowers once or twice monthly to encourage bloom growth and production. Clip away or dead head dead or dying blooms to stimulate the plants to produce more flowers. Provide full to partial sunlight, ensuring the plants receive at least four hours of sunlight daily. Trim foliage back during the cold, winter months to preserve the health of the plant.

Problems
Insect pests such as aphids, beetles and nematodes damage the plant by feeding on foliage and fluids within the plant. Diseases such as leaf spots, rust, wilt and rot occur on coreopsis. Treat pests with insecticides and treat disease with fungicide or anti-bacterial and anti-viral solutions as soon as you discover the problems. Prompt and proper treatment is key to maintaining the health of your coreopsis plants.

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