Growth Rate
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- Speed: Fast grower, with rapid blooming after planting.
- Mature Growth: Reaches a height of 12-15 inches and spreads 18-24 inches wide, forming a compact, mounded shape.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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No |
Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
Deer Resistant
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Yes |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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- Attracts: Butterflies and bees are attracted to the bright flowers, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens.
- Wildlife Resistant: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid Coreopsis, making it a good option for areas where wildlife pressure is high.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Foliage Season: Spring to fall, with attractive fern-like green foliage.
- Flowering Season: Early summer to fall (June to October).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
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Ideal For
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- Pollinator gardens
- Rock gardens
- Borders and edging
- Containers
- Mass plantings
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Leaf Description
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- Color: Bright green.
- Form: Delicate, thread-like, or fern-like foliage that creates a soft, airy texture.
- Fall Color: Foliage remains green through most of the growing season, though it may die back after frost.
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Flower Description
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- Color: Bright, fiery red blooms with yellow centers.
- Form: Daisy-like flowers, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter, growing in clusters on wiry stems.
- Bloom Time: Long blooming season from early summer to fall, with consistent re-blooming.
- Fragrance: Not fragrant.
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Planting Instructions
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- Planting Time: Best planted in early spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil; thrives in sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil types as long as there is good drainage.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the container; ensure the crown is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for airflow and growth.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- Timing: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage continuous blooming.
- Method: Cut back stems to maintain shape and promote reblooming. In late fall or early spring, cut back the plant to the base to make room for new growth.
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Water Needs
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- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After establishment, water sparingly, as the plant is drought-tolerant.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil; avoid over-watering, as the plant does not thrive in soggy conditions.
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Light Needs
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Full sun for best flowering. It can tolerate light shade but may have reduced blooms in low-light conditions. |
Harvesting
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For Cut Flowers:- When to Harvest:
- Cut blooms when flowers are fully open but still fresh (before petals start to curl or fade).
- Best harvested in the morning when moisture content is high.
- Cutting Tips:
- Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
- Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a set of healthy leaves.
- Immediately place stems in water to prolong vase life (typically lasts 5–7 days).
- Remove lower leaves that would sit below water level in the vase to prevent rot.
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Fertilizing
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- Fertilization Time: Fertilizing is not generally necessary, but if soil is poor, apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or organic compost for best results.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Vibrant Blooms: The fiery red flowers with yellow centers are highly visible and attract butterflies and bees, making it a pollinator-friendly choice.
- Extended Bloom Season: Blooms continuously from early summer to fall, ensuring a long-lasting display of color.
- Compact Size: Its small, tidy form makes it perfect for borders, containers, or small garden spaces.
- Drought Resistance: Thrives in dry conditions once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
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Pollination
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- Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees and other insects.
- Seed Production: Can produce seeds if blooms are not deadheaded, though it is usually grown for its long-lasting flowers rather than seed production.
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Companion Plants
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- Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Salvia
- Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
- Ornamental Grasses
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