Coreopsis 'Sunkiss'

Coreopsis 'Sunkiss': A Radiant Bloom with a Bold Heart

Beaming with bright golden petals and a rich mahogany-red center, Coreopsis 'Sunkiss' delivers a concentrated burst of summer sunshine in a compact form. As one of the most vividly coloured varieties in its class, this cheerful perennial offers exceptional flower power from early summer through fall. Its tidy, low-growing habit makes it perfect for containers, sunny borders, and pollinator gardens alike. Drought tolerant, easy to grow, and buzzing with life, 'Sunkiss' is a golden invitation to bees, butterflies, and garden admirers.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 25–35 cm, forming a compact, mounded clump
• Flower Colour: Bright golden yellow with a bold reddish-brown eye
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall
• Foliage: Medium green, lance-shaped leaves with a neat, bushy habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Coreopsis 'Sunkiss' is a powerhouse of colour in a petite package. Its small scale makes it ideal for edging garden paths, brightening patio containers, or dotting through gravel and rock gardens. Pollinators flock to its nectar-rich flowers, and gardeners appreciate its resilience and long-lasting bloom. Whether planted en masse or as a jewel-toned accent, it adds brilliant warmth and structure with little maintenance.

Companion Plants: Pair Coreopsis 'Sunkiss' with Salvia 'Bumbleberry', whose saturated magenta flower spikes contrast boldly with the yellow petals while supporting pollinators. Add height and softness with Panicum 'Little Miss', whose fine blades shift from green to red, mirroring the central eye of Sunkiss. For a low-growing companion, use Sedum 'Fulda Glow', whose bronze foliage and late-season blooms blend seamlessly with the warm palette and thrive in similar sunny, dry conditions.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season, then only during prolonged dry periods. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming, or shear lightly in midsummer to refresh growth. Cut back in fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor and compact shape.

History: A standout cultivar of Coreopsis grandiflora, 'Sunkiss' was introduced for its compact size, vivid colour, and exceptional bloom performance. Its intense yellow petals and dark eye give it a bold yet classic appearance, paying homage to its prairie-rooted heritage while offering improved form for modern gardens.

Final Thoughts: Like a pocket-sized sunbeam, Coreopsis 'Sunkiss' brings brilliance and life to the garden from summer’s start to fall’s finish. Paired with the jewel tones of Salvia 'Bumbleberry', the graceful transition of Panicum 'Little Miss', and the rich textures of Sedum 'Fulda Glow', it creates a vibrant, pollinator-friendly planting full of warmth and contrast. A sunny essential for gardeners who love compact colour with bold personality.