Lance-leaved coreopsis is one of those great plants that looks good in the border as well as in a meadow. It is long blooming and tough and spreads into vigorous colonies that are easily transplanted anywhere their bright yellow color is needed. A native of central and southeastern United States, it thrives in meadows, prairies, and roadsides and tends to sprawl in fertile moist soil. It even does well in a vase and gives a cheery look to any arrangement. Attractive cultivars such as ‘Sterntaler’ are available.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Yellow daisy like flowers 1-2” across are borne singly on slender stems from late spring through summer.
Foliage: Basal leaves are elongated, narrow, 2-6” long; upper leaves may be deeply cut.
Size: 1-2’ H x 1-1/2′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Lean, average to dry, well-drained; tolerates dry, shallow, rocky soil
Fertilizer: Sprawls in fertile soil
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Care: Dead-head to encourage bloom; cut back hard in mid season to encourage rebloom; divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
Pests and Diseases: May develop crown rot in moist soil
Propagation: Self-seeds readily; easy to start from seed with no cold stratification needed; seeds are mature about 4 weeks after flowers fade; division in spring or fall.
Companion plants: Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberose), blazing star (Liatris spicata), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Karen Meyers