Georgia Gardener Newsletter Design Tip

Georgia Gardener Newsletter Cool Plant: May 18, 2006

Early Sunrise Tickseed

Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'

Early Sunrise Tickseed is a cultivar of one of our native species of Coreopsis. It possesses the unusual trait of having 1.5 inch semi-double flowers on stems 18-24 inches tall. Blooming begins in early May and with deadheading will continue sometimes to early fall. Plants can be sheared practically back to the base if they begin to look ratty. New foliage and blooms will follow. Divide the clumps every few years in early spring and spread the beauty around. It also reportedly comes true from seed often germinating on its own near the parent plant.

Plant Coreopsis in full sun with rich, but well-drained soil. In my garden, this Coreopsis has paired itself with the blue-flowering wild Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia), a wonderful combination for which I wish I could take credit. Other good companion plantings include Huskers Red Penstemon, Mexican Feather Grass, Tall Garden Phlox, Homestead Purple Verbena and Hardy Iceplant.

I am happy to report that although my clumps of Early Sunrise Coreopsis are on the main path traveled by deer on their nightly trip through the Schrum Garden Buffet, the plants seem to have been untouched. I also do not see any damage from rabbits.

For more information on the Early Sunrise Coreopsis, visit this website.