Coreopsis 'Curry Up'

Coreopsis 'Curry Up': A Zest of Gold with a Saffron Heart

Radiating warmth like a summer spice blend, Coreopsis 'Curry Up' dazzles with vivid golden-yellow petals brushed with rich red centers. This bold, bicolour bloomer brings a dynamic rhythm to sunny borders, flowering from early summer well into fall. Compact and upright in form, it delivers generous colour in a tidy footprint—perfect for containers, mixed beds, or as a cheerful edge along walkways. Like a splash of curry in the garden, 'Curry Up' adds unexpected vibrancy and pollinator appeal in even the hottest of seasons.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–45 cm
• Spread: 35–45 cm, forming a neat, upright mound
• Flower Colour: Bright yellow with rich red centers; single to semi-double blooms
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall
• Foliage: Medium green, lance-shaped leaves offering a clean backdrop to the flowers
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soils; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Coreopsis 'Curry Up' is a natural choice for hot, dry gardens where bold colour is welcome and maintenance needs to be minimal. Its compact size suits it for containers, front-of-border placements, and mass plantings that crave a golden punch. The red-flushed blooms attract bees and butterflies throughout the growing season, making it a valuable player in pollinator gardens. With its extended bloom time and sun-loving nature, it’s an easy way to add spice and brightness to nearly any sunny space.

Companion Plants: Plant Coreopsis 'Curry Up' with Salvia 'Caradonna'—its rich violet-blue flower spikes and dark stems offer a striking cool-toned contrast to the warm bicolour blooms. Introduce the graceful structure of Panicum 'Northwind', whose vertical form and muted green blades provide an elegant foil to 'Curry Up''s rounded shape and saturated colour. Complete the planting with Sedum 'Lime Zinger', whose chartreuse foliage and late-season blooms mirror the golden notes while adding low-growing texture and seasonal longevity.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency—'Curry Up' is drought tolerant once rooted. Deadhead spent blooms to promote reblooming or shear lightly in midsummer for a flush of new flowers. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor and fullness.

History: A standout selection from the Sizzle & Spice™ series, 'Curry Up' was bred for heat tolerance, long bloom duration, and compact form. Descended from Coreopsis verticillata and other hardy species, it combines durability with high-impact colour. Its spicy name and vivid appearance capture the essence of this cultivar—bright, bold, and full of character.

Final Thoughts: Cheerful and sizzling with character, Coreopsis 'Curry Up' enlivens the summer garden with its rich golden hues and fiery red centers. When planted alongside the cool blues of Salvia 'Caradonna', the architectural presence of Panicum 'Northwind', and the zesty foliage of Sedum 'Lime Zinger', it creates a planting full of contrast, rhythm, and seasonal charm. A must-have for gardeners who want lasting colour and sunny resilience in every corner of the garden.