Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika'

Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika': A Fiery Accent for the Summer Border

With blooms as bold as their name suggests, Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' brings a burst of sizzling red to the summer garden. Its rich, scarlet petals with warm undertones glow like embers in the sun, adding depth and drama to sunny borders, containers, and pollinator plantings. Compact yet showy, this sun-loving perennial offers months of vibrant colour, blooming continuously from early summer into fall. Whether planted en masse or paired with cooler tones, 'Hot Paprika' spices up the landscape with undeniable flair.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 35–45 cm, forming a low, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Intense scarlet red with subtle paprika-orange tones
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall
• Foliage: Deep green, finely textured leaves offering a tidy contrast to bold blooms
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adaptable to poor or sandy conditions; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' is a vivid choice for borders, containers, or mass plantings where intense colour and minimal care are desired. Its continuous flowering habit keeps beds lively from early summer through the cooler days of fall. Pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, are drawn to its nectar-rich blooms. Tolerant of heat and dry soils, it's a reliable option for low-maintenance landscapes, gravel gardens, and modern designs seeking a bold punch of red.

Companion Plants: Set Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' against the soft, smoky backdrop of Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior'—its cool-toned lavender flowers and silvery foliage offer striking contrast while thriving in similar sunny, dry conditions. Add vertical interest with Panicum 'Prairie Sky', whose steel-blue blades and airy plumes echo the natural, open feel of summer meadows. For a complementary ground-level accent, weave in Sedum 'Dragon's Blood', whose succulent red foliage and late-season blooms intensify the fiery palette and create a lush, low-growing layer.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then only during extended dry periods. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering or shear lightly in midsummer to rejuvenate the plant. Cut back in fall or early spring. Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain density and vigour.

History: A standout selection in the Li’l Bang™ series, 'Hot Paprika' was bred for compact form, vibrant colour, and extended bloom time. As a modern hybrid of Coreopsis species native to North America, it delivers the durability and floral abundance of its lineage with a bold new colour direction. Its name reflects the spicy intensity of its blooms and its ability to heat up the garden with colour and energy.

Final Thoughts: For those seeking bold, long-lasting colour in a compact package, Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' delivers with style. When planted alongside the silvery calm of Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior', the structured beauty of Panicum 'Prairie Sky', and the rich textures of Sedum 'Dragon's Blood', it becomes part of a vibrant, pollinator-friendly display that lasts well into fall. A fiery gem that brings passion and presence to any sunny garden.