A Beginner’s Guide to Nurturing Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) Plants

Lanceleaf coreopsis, also known as Lanceleaf tickseed and Sand coreopsis, is a native wildflower of southeastern United States that has gained popularity as a garden plant across the country. It showcases a single golden yellow daisy-like flower on slender, upright stems with narrow hairy leaves clustered at the base. This species blooms from spring to early summer, attracting various beneficial insects such as bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles through its nectar and pollen. It is a moderate grower planted in spring, thriving well in loamy, sandy, moist, and well-drained soil types with full sun exposure. Lanceleaf coreopsis is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide with a mature size. It prefers acidic to neutral soil pH and can withstand drought and deer due to its resistance. To maintain the plant’s vigor, it requires division every two to three years as routine care. Additionally, cutting the plant back can prevent it from reseeding farther, although since it is a native plant, it is not considered invasive.

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For the thriving growth of Coreopsis lanceolata, it is important to provide full sunlight. A lack of light can lead to reduced blooms and scraggly growth. This plant is quite adaptable and can grow in a variety of soils as long as the soil has excellent drainage. It can survive in dry soil, shallow, rocky, or poor soil. During the initial growth phase, it should be watered regularly until it gets established. After that, it does not require extra water during dry spells. Coreopsis lanceolata is a native plant from southeastern Canada to the central and eastern United States, so it is tolerant of heat and humidity. It is also winter-hardy to USDA zone 4a. Fertilization is not necessary unless the plant has been planted in an extremely nutrient-deprived soil. It grows well in poor soil.

Coreopsis lanceolata, also known as tickseed, belongs to two similar species – C. lanceolata and C. grandiflora – which are often hybridized. The latter boasts larger flowers, as its name suggests. Some of the popular varieties include C. lanceolata ‘Sterntaler,’ which has compact clumping growth and double golden blooms with brown centers. C. lanceolata ‘Brown Eyes’ grows up to 2 feet tall and features a golden flower with a maroon-brown ring in the center. C. grandiflora ‘Baby Sun’ only reaches 10-16 inches in height and flaunts golden-yellow flowers with red bands at their center. C. grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’ produces large semi-double yellow-orange flowers that bloom from spring until fall if deadheaded regularly. Lastly, C. grandiflora ‘Sunray’ bears large double-golden yellow flowers and has a compact, rounded growth habit. Although coreopsis does not require pruning, frequent deadheading can prolong the bloom period. If the plant looks scraggly in mid-summer, slight cutting back can encourage more compact growth. Coreopsis needs to be divided every two to three years to maintain its vigor and shape, as it does not live very long if not divided. Dividing the plant is an easy way to propagate it and is best done in early spring. Coreopsis lanceolata can also be grown from seed and often reseeds itself to form naturalized colonies. The seeds require 30 days of cold stratification to break dormancy, and this can be achieved by sowing them outdoors in containers or an outdoor weed-free seedbed or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag with a damp paper towel and storing them in a refrigerator for a month. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep below the soil surface as they need light to germinate, and transplant the seedlings into the garden when they reach 2 inches in height after all danger of frost has passed.

The lanceleaf coreopsis is a great plant for container gardening. When choosing a container, make sure it has good drainage and is at least 8 to 10 inches deep and wide. Use a well-draining potting mix to avoid soggy soil, as the coreopsis does not like wet roots. As the fibrous rhizomes root system of the plant grows quickly, it’s important to choose a large enough container to allow room for growth. Repot the plant with fresh potting mix when the roots fill the pot. Remember that potted coreopsis needs regular watering, as potting soil dries out faster than garden soil. The plant can withstand cold temperatures down to USDA zone 4a and doesn’t require any special winter protection. However, covering the base of the plant with 2 to 3 inches of mulch can protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Cut back the foliage almost to the ground in late summer or early fall, and it will regrow before going dormant and dying back. It’s best to leave the foliage on the plant and clean it up in the spring. The plant doesn’t typically have insect issues, but it might attract slugs, snails, aphids, flea beetles, and cucumber beetles. Powdery mildew is a common and harmless disease that may affect the plant. Botrytis blight, bacterial and fungal leaf spots, and aster yellows are potential but rare diseases that may affect the plant.

If you’re struggling to get your lanceleaf coreopsis to bloom, lack of sun may be the culprit. While this perennial can handle some shade, it thrives in full sun. If you find that your plant is producing more leaves than flowers, excessive nitrogen in the soil from nearby lawn fertilizer could be the issue. Consider reducing the amount of fertilizer used or moving the plant to a new spot farther away from the lawn. In addition, be mindful of soil moisture levels – too much water can lead to stem and root rot and weaken stems, causing them to droop. Lastly, keep an eye out for the plant’s tendency to reseed aggressively, which may lead to competition with other plants in your garden.