Plains Coreopsis is a drought tolerant annual wildflower native to North America[1][2]. Scientifically known as Coreopsis tinctoria, it grows 1-3′ tall in full sun and well draining soil[3]. Not picky about soil type, it blooms for roughly two months in Summer to early fall it attracts bees, butterflies, skippers, and hosts several moth caterpillars[4].
I’ve been growing this flower for years in my backyard micro-prairie and in various flower beds. As far as annuals go, you can easily germinate this in Spring from direct seeding or in pots and have it flower by July in zone 6 (I’m in southern PA). It will put out a lot of blooms, adding interest and beauty, but more as a ‘background’ and not a focal point. And if showiness is your goal, you can deadhead the plant to stimulate more blooming.
One thing I really enjoy about this flower is that the stalks are very thin and almost invisible when contrasted against other plants. This can give a really cool visual effect where the blooms almost seem to be hovering in the air. But grown in fertile soil, isolation, or with too much moisture your plants may get too tall and can flop over. But cutting the plant back (aka the Chelsea Chop) can help prevent them from leaning or flopping.
I grow these just about every year, some that I germinate my self and some that self-seeded on their own. You’ll want to grow them in clusters spaced close together to make a more impressive display, as this plant looks better when planted in groups.
Although Plains Coreopsis is an annual in that it will die in the winter, seed can actually germinate in Fall and the plant will overwinter as a cluster of basal leaves. Then, a flowering stalk will shoot up the following Spring/Summer. This characteristic, known as ‘half-hardy’[2] is rare in annuals, but not completely unique as American Bellflower will do something similar.
With its bright golden blooms and dark centers, plains coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is a beloved wildflower that grows across much of North America. This cheerful plant has long graced prairies, meadows, and other open areas, adding a vibrant pop of color and attracting beneficial pollinators. But one key question has often puzzled gardeners about plains coreopsis – is it an annual or a perennial plant? The answer is more complex than you might think. In this article, we’ll dig into the details and clear up the confusion over the growth cycle of this versatile wildflower.
The Variable Nature of Plains Coreopsis
Plains coreopsis is native to a wide span of North America including most of the United States along with parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in prairies, open woodlands, wet meadows, and other areas with full sun exposure. This adaptable plant can grow well in various soil types from sandy to loamy and also tolerates both dry and moist conditions.
Plains coreopsis reaches 1-4 feet in height on slender upright branching stems. The fern-like leaves are lacy and delicate. From early summer into fall bright golden daisy-like flower heads emerge at the ends of the stems. These showy blossoms measure 1-2 inches wide and showcase golden yellow petals surrounding a maroon or reddish-brown central disk.
So how can the same plant sometimes behave as an annual but other times act as a short-lived perennial? Here are the key factors that determine its lifespan:
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Climate – In warmer regions like the southern U.S., plains coreopsis may persist for 2-3 years. Meanwhile, in colder northern zones it often dies back completely in winter and regrows from seed annually.
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Soil Moisture – Wet soil tends to shorten the lifespan of plains coreopsis It persists better as a short-lived perennial in drier soils
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Disturbance – Plains coreopsis thrives with moderate soil disturbance which helps it reseed prolifically. In intensely disturbed sites it acts more like an annual. In prairie habitats it may live longer.
Growing Tips for Vibrant Plains Coreopsis Flowers
Whether plains coreopsis acts as an annual or returns for a few years in your area, it’s a stellar addition to gardens and meadows. Here are some recommendations for getting the best results from this versatile plant:
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Full Sun – For maximum blooms, plant in a spot with full sun exposure. Plains coreopsis tolerates partial shade but won’t flower as prolifically.
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Well-Drained Soil – Avoid heavy, wet clay soils. For the best results, provide moderately moist to dry sandy or loamy soil.
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Moderate Disturbance – Gently disturb the soil surface around plants each year to mimic its natural prairie habitat. This triggers reseeding.
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Ample Space – Allow plenty of room between plants, thinning to 8-12 inches apart after seedlings emerge.
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Deadhead Flowers – Prune spent blooms to encourage continued flowering into fall. Leave some if you want self-sown seeds.
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Divide Mature Plants – Rejuvenate overgrown perennial clumps by dividing every 2-3 years.
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Cut Back in Fall – Prune finished plants to 2-4 inches and apply mulch in cold climates to overwinter plants.
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Light Fertilizer – Use a balanced organic fertilizer in spring if plants need a boost. Avoid excess nitrogen.
Follow these simple tips, and plains coreopsis will thrive and spread quickly to create a stunning carpet of golden color in your garden or meadow. Enjoy its long bloom season that attracts pollinators while you observe how it performs as an annual or short-lived perennial in your own climate.
Growing Plains Coreopsis from Seed
Starting plains coreopsis from seed is a fun, easy way to add this wildflower to your landscape. Here are step-by-step instructions:
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When to Plant – For best results, sow seeds in late fall or early spring. Fall planting provides the chill period seeds need to break dormancy.
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Prepare Soil – Work soil to a smooth, fine texture. Remove any debris.
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Planting Depth – Sow seeds on the soil surface without covering. Light aids germination.
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Seed Spacing – Scatter seeds evenly. Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches apart after they emerge.
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Watering – Keep soil moist for 3-4 weeks after planting to ensure good germination and establishment.
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Maintenance – Control weeds around small seedlings. Apply organic fertilizer when flowers appear. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Follow these simple steps for seed starting success. Plains coreopsis grown from seed will bloom within 8-10 weeks of germination, providing the first lively color in your garden.
Popular Hybrids and Cultivars
Beyond the native species, there are some popular hybrid cultivars of plains coreopsis to consider:
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‘Golden Roulette’ – Blooms up to 2 weeks earlier than the species with large 2-3 inch golden flowers.
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‘Rising Sun’ – Grows 18-24 inches tall with golden petals around large, vivid red centers.
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‘Sienna Sunset’ – Burnt orange petals and maroon centers on plants reaching 12-15 inches tall.
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‘Sweet Dreams’ – Creamy white petals blushed with soft pink around yellow and red central eye. Grows 12 inches tall.
These hybrids are not as hardy as the native species so they are grown as annuals in most regions. But they provide diverse flower colors and plant sizes to enhance your landscape.
The Cheerful Beauty of Plains Coreopsis
With its abundant golden daisy blooms over many months, plains coreopsis is a treasured wildflower across much of North America. Appreciate its versatile nature as both a hardy annual and short-lived perennial depending on local growing conditions. This tough, adaptable plant thrives with simple care. For a cheerful splash of flower color that attracts pollinators and reseeds freely, add plains coreopsis to your own meadow or garden.
Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases associated with Plains Coreopsis
Plains Coreopsis provides both nectar and pollen to long & short-tongued bees as well as wasps, flies, and some skippers and butterflies. It also hosts several species of moth and beetle[9][10].
In my experience both deer and rabbits will browse the foliage of this plant, which is another reason to plant many of them! But you can protect your plants with Liquid Fence.
There really aren’t any diseases that effect this plant.
Is Plains Coreopsis aggressive?
Plains Coreopsis reproduces by seed, in particularly by self-seeding. Seeing how it has naturalized itself across almost all of North America[1], it is hard to say that it doesn’t have the ability to be aggressive in certain conditions.
However, I would not call this plant aggressive. I’ve been growing it for years, and have often struggled to maintain a population in my backyard meadow. They can often succumb to being shaded out or pushed out by larger, more aggressive plants.
Many of the seeds just seem to get eaten by birds and mice. I’ve never seen it ‘take over’ anything, as even in thick groupings the stems and leaves are so thin they don’t seem to crowd out any other plants.
Plains Coreopsis will do best in full sun, as it is a prairie plant. For soils, it can readily grow in nearly any soil type provided it drains well. And it is tolerant of a variety of moistures, from moist to dry soils.
Just remember that if you have very fertile or moist soil, that this plant may flop over. So, do the Chelsea Chop in late May/early June, and it will be less likely to flop.
Coreopsis – Tickseed – Calliopsis – Choose the right shaped flower or pollinators are out of luck!
FAQ
How do I know if my coreopsis is annual or perennial?
Annual varieties will start blooming in early summer and repeat bloom periodically through the fall, while perennial varieties will begin blooming the second year after planting from seed. Coreopsis spp.
Do coreopsis come back every year?
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Perennial Coreopsis:These varieties die back in the winter and return in the spring, offering blooms year after year.
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Annual Coreopsis:These varieties complete their lifecycle in one year, meaning they bloom and then die back, requiring replanting the following year.
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Hardiness Zones:Some coreopsis are perennial in warmer climates (USDA zones 3-9), but may be grown as annuals in colder zones.
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Examples of Perennial Coreopsis:“Limerock Dream” and “Moonbeam” are examples of coreopsis that are often grown as perennials.
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Care:Coreopsis are generally low-maintenance plants, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
Does plains coreopsis reseed?
Plains coreopsis is an airy plant with soft, fern-like foliage. This annual wildflower is common throughout the U.S. Also known as calliopsis, this plant prefers sandy or well-drained soils and, once established, can reseed itself.
Is Plains coreopsis an annual?
Plains Coreopsis is a 1′ to 3′ tall native annual, but is sometimes a long lived biennial. It has large numbers of 1″ yellow flowers with bright red centers.
Is Coreopsis a perennial?
By Dr. Leonard Perry, former Horticulture Professor at the University of Vermont. Profuse blooms, often in shades of yellow, through a long period in mid-summer make coreopsis a great native plant choice for perennial gardens and containers. This perennial has even more going for it—low maintenance with few insect pests or disease problems, if any.
Is plains coreopsis a good wildflower?
Plains Coreopsis is an attractive annual wildflower that is incredibly easy to grow and generally hassle free. It really does look amazing when the blooms sway in the breeze, seeming to hover over the other vegetation because their stems are so thin.
Do Coreopsis grow back a year?
Some coreopsis are annuals, living only one year, and some are perennials, returning yearly. If you want coreopsis to grow back, it will depend on your USDA zone and the type of coreopsis that you get. Do coreopsis plants spread? Yes, coreopsis plants can spread by rhizomes and are also self-seeding plants.
Can Coreopsis grow from seed?
Coreopsis includes annual and perennial varieties, although many people opt to grow them all as annuals. Even starting from seed, the plants grow quickly and can bloom in their first year. It is common to see these species in seed mixes for wildflowers, butterfly gardens, and prairies.
Are Coreopsis tolerant?
These flowers are tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions. Coreopsis will grow well in USDA climate zones 4 through 9. Most varieties thrive in heat and humidity. These plants tend to be tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions and can be grown in most gardens. Annuals will die after the first hard frost.
Can Coreopsis be used in a garden?
Coreopsis can be used in many garden situations. Grow them with other annuals or perennials, use them in a pollinator garden, or even grow them in containers. Coreopsis plants are a versatile addition to the landscape and can be enjoyed throughout the growing season.