Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'

Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb': Heatproof Golden Haze

Small golden daisies sprinkled over a tight mound of thread-fine leaves, like the garden pulled on a cheerful yellow sweater. This tickseed takes dry spells without breaking a sweat. DRY, SUNNY AND DOING JUST FINE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'
• Common Name: Threadleaf Tickseed
• Height: 30–46 cm (12–18 in)
• Spread: 38–46 cm (15–18 in)
• Flowers: Small, golden-yellow single daisies, 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) across, with darker yellow centres
• Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June to August)
• Foliage: Very fine, thread-like green leaves in whorls, forming a dense, rounded mound
• Features: Selection of an eastern North American species

Where to Plant: Use it along the front of a sunny border, in a gravel or rock garden, or anywhere the soil runs hot, dry and lean. Its fine texture makes it a good filler between bolder plants, and it is handy near driveways and walkways where other plants struggle.

Companion Plants: Use golden 'Zagreb' in a sunny, dry bed with scarlet, indigo and red partners. Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame' carpets the front at 10 to 15 cm with pink-red flowers in May and June. Baptisia Decadence® 'Blueberry Sundae' adds indigo-blue spikes at 90 cm in June and July. Echinacea SunMagic® Vintage Hot Red brings red coneflowers at 45 to 60 cm from July to September. Panicum 'Prairie Sky' rises behind at 120 to 150 cm with steel-blue blades.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average to sandy, well-drained soil. It does not like sitting wet, especially in winter, so lighten heavy clay with compost or plant on a slight slope. Water through the first season. After that, it rarely needs help. Shearing spent flowers by about a third in midsummer tidies the plant and often brings a second, lighter round of bloom. Deadheading also cuts down on self-seeding. It spreads slowly by underground stems. Divide every two or three years in spring to keep the clump vigorous, and cut the stems back in late fall or early spring.

History: Threadleaf coreopsis is native to the open woods, savannas and dry clearings of eastern North America, and 'Zagreb' is a compact selection named after the capital of Croatia. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant and low maintenance, with bees and butterflies on rotation. Edge a sunny path with it. SET IT AND FORGET IT.