Coreopsis 'Moonbeam'

Coreopsis 'Moonbeam': A Soft Glow Beneath the Summer Sky

Delicate and dreamy, Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' brings a gentle radiance to the garden with its pale yellow, daisy-like blooms that seem to float above fine, threadlike foliage. This beloved cultivar is a staple of sunny borders, admired for its long bloom season, airy habit, and exceptional reliability. Blooming from early summer into fall, it adds a soft wash of colour that pairs beautifully with bolder companions or stands serenely on its own. 'Moonbeam' is the very essence of elegance in motion—graceful, luminous, and ever-blooming.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–45 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a soft, billowy mound
• Flower Colour: Soft lemon-yellow with a fine, dainty form
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall
• Foliage: Fine-textured, ferny green leaves that enhance the plant’s airy charm
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soils; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' is perfect for weaving gentle light through perennial borders, cottage gardens, or naturalistic plantings. Its luminous flowers attract pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, while its refined texture complements a wide range of neighbouring plants. Ideal for softening edges, tucking into dry sunny spots, or planting en masse for a moonlit effect, it thrives with minimal care and provides a long-lasting, ethereal display.

Companion Plants: Pair Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' with Echinacea 'White Swan' for a calming combination of soft yellow and clean white, offering elegance and pollinator support throughout the summer. Introduce the silver-toned foliage and lavender blooms of Lavandula 'Munstead' to contrast the golden glow while maintaining a drought-tolerant palette. For texture and movement, plant Panicum 'Prairie Sky' nearby—its upright, blue-green blades lend structure and serenity, balancing 'Moonbeam'’s fine, mounded form.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then infrequently—'Moonbeam' is drought tolerant and thrives in hot, dry conditions. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continual flowering, or shear lightly in midsummer for a refreshed flush. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain health and fullness.

History: Introduced in the mid-20th century, Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' is a cultivar of Coreopsis verticillata, native to the southeastern United States. It quickly became a garden classic, celebrated for its long bloom time and refined habit. Named for the pale, glowing quality of its blooms, it was awarded the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1992 and continues to be a favourite for both home gardeners and professional designers.

Final Thoughts: With its soft lemon blooms and feathery foliage, Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' adds a touch of moonlit magic to sunny borders. Paired with the clean lines of Echinacea 'White Swan', the aromatic calm of Lavandula 'Munstead', and the vertical grace of Panicum 'Prairie Sky', it creates a serene and sophisticated planting that hums with life and beauty all summer long. A timeless treasure for any sunlit garden.