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: Hemerocallis 'Final Touch' blooms pink in August and September, picking up as the tickseed winds down. Sedum SunSparkler® 'Cherry Tart' adds pink flowers in August and September at the front. Echinops ritro brings round blue globes from July to September. The fine, threadlike tickseed leaves soften all three.

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, and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden named it among its best perennials in 2005.

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