Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron'

Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron': A Zing of Sunshine with a Flirtatious Flair

Golden and full of spirit, Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron' lights up the garden with sunny yellow blooms kissed by a warm orange-red eye. Cheerful and compact, this free-flowering perennial brings a pop of saturated colour to beds, borders, and containers from early summer well into fall. Its tidy habit and long-lasting performance make it a bright, reliable accent in any sunny spot. As sassy as its name implies, 'Sassy Saffron' infuses the garden with bold energy and a playful charm that lasts through the heat of the season.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 35–45 cm, forming a dense, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Bright yellow petals with a bold orange-red center
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall
• Foliage: Medium green, narrow, lance-shaped leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soils; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron' is an ideal choice for gardeners who want bold colour with minimal care. Its manageable size makes it perfect for small-space gardens, mixed containers, sunny edging, and pollinator patches. Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors to its nectar-rich blooms, and its extended flowering season ensures a steady burst of brightness. With its vibrant colour and neat form, it can bring cohesion to a mixed planting or stand alone as a glowing focal point.

Companion Plants: Pair Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron' with Salvia 'May Night'—its rich violet-blue flower spikes bring cool contrast while supporting pollinators in harmony. Add Panicum 'Blood Brothers' behind for vertical interest and dramatic red-tinged foliage that echoes the warm tones at the heart of each bloom. For a ground-level accent, weave in Sedum 'John Creech', whose tight mat of succulent green leaves and late-season pink blooms create a lush, easy-care carpet beneath the golden glow.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment; afterward, water only during extended dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering, or shear lightly in midsummer for a renewed flush. Cut back in fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years to refresh and maintain plant vigor.

History: A radiant member of the Sizzle & Spice™ series, Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron' was bred for its compact form, heat tolerance, and bold bicolour blooms. With hardy North American species like Coreopsis verticillata in its ancestry, it delivers both ornamental beauty and long-lasting garden performance. Its name reflects its zestful colour palette and spirited personality in the border.

Final Thoughts: Bursting with colour and charisma, Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron' is a fiery addition to the sun-loving garden. When combined with the rich hues of Salvia 'May Night', the dramatic blades of Panicum 'Blood Brothers', and the tidy texture of Sedum 'John Creech', it creates a lively and resilient planting full of rhythm and pollinator appeal. A golden spark for gardeners seeking bold beauty with a hint of sass.