THE END TO BORDER WARS: Part II (Coreopsis)
Posted by John Friel on Feb 19th 2021
Illuminating is a cheerful yellow. Ultimate Gray is exactly what it sounds like. They complement one another nicely: Yellow for sunny optimism, gray for rock-solid reliability. We looked at gray last time, so let’s get sunny and optimistic!
The un-charming common name of this useful, varied genus is “tickseed.” It’s such an uncommon common name that nobody uses it, ever. Just as well, right?
The Classics!
Coreopsis grandiflora ~Seed-propagated for price-point-conscious finishers.
It’s prolific! Golden yellow daisies rise on 16” stems to brighten the border from spring to midsummer. Hardy in Zones 4 – 9.
The AAS Award winner gleams with cheerful golden-yellow double flowers on wiry stems for spring bouquets. Up to 24” tall, and hardy in Zones 4 – 9.
Hybrids
x‘Jethro Tull’ PP18789
A blare with flair! Each large flower is a flourish of fluted golden petals. A touch of pomp and circumstance introduced by Itsaul Plants in Georgia. 12 – 18” high. Hardy in Zones 5 - 9.
This pale-yellow garden stalwart earns an accolade that sounds like an insult: “Gas-station plant.” In reality, that’s high praise. A perennial that thrives surrounded by asphalt and exhaust fumes is a keeper. ‘Moonbeam’, a sterile cultivar, was the Perennial Plant of the Year back in 1992. It’s still the first name that comes to mind when someone says “threadleaf.” Hardy in Zones 4 – 9, it stands 12-24”. Shear lightly when spent blooms outnumber new ones.
New School
Coreopsis Li'l Bang™ ‘Goldilocks’PP32336
This modern variety from breeder Darrell Probst boasts sweet, butter-yellow petals, cutely cupped and crimped. As its namesake would say, It’s just right! 6 – 12”, mildew-resistant, Zones 5 – 9.
Fun fact
‘Jethro Tull’ is so named because its fluted petals evoke the flute-tooting rock group that gave us “Aqualung.” But the band’s namesake was a real Brit who invented a horse-drawn seed drill in the early 1700s. It’s a little like naming a flower ‘John Deere’.
Next time we’ll tease out the nuances of more gray areas. There’s plenty more to explore. Meanwhile, polish your perennial line to a fine luster. Beam up a treasure trove of silver and gold in easy-planting, fast-finishing liners from Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!
