It's time to consider coreopsis. There is no need to be without a garden. I thought of it after receiving a photo by Linda Vaningen showing a Coreopsis flower in bloom, the result of successful germination of California pollinator seeds that have been distributed in the area. This was done in the middle of May, at the same time and in the same flower bed he planted the bulbs of lilies of the Stargazer variety. He asked if the bulbs would benefit from the shade of the wildflowers and I think the answer is yes. I also planted star lilies under a small tree and they bloomed profusely despite a few hours of partial sun in the afternoon.
Vaningen's Coreopsis plants have flowers with thick red markings at the base of their orange-yellow petals; This is the most common petal color seen in Coreopsis species, although yellow and sometimes other shades of red and pink petals are also seen in some cultivars and hybrids. Vaningen's species is low Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria). The most common species cultivated is known as the large flower louse seed (Coreopsis grandiflora). Coreopsis gets its common name from the shape of its seeds. Koris is Greek for "insect" and opsis "to look". The tick is a specific insect that looks like Coreopsis seeds; Hence its common name. Coincidentally, the largest orchid, Phalaenopsis, gets its name from the shape of its flowers, as Phalin means "moth" in Greek, hence the nickname "moth orchid".
Coreopsis grandiflora is perennial in the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest. It is naturalized in some parts of California. That said, there are seven species of Coreopsis (in the recently classified genus Leptocine) in California. In general, flower tick seeds grow abundantly as a weed in all types of soil, provided there is adequate drainage. At two feet high and three feet wide, it evokes the carefree look of an English garden.
The orange-yellow or golden yellow you see in classic Coreopsis species can also be found in dense, low-growing lantana varieties such as 'Sunburst' and 'New Gold'. Coreopsis and Lantana are a small minority of long-flowering perennials that can drain slowly due to heavy soil or, in other words, soil material. As a bonus, coreopsis attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and butterflies, and both coreopsis and lantana are visited by birds and butterflies. Coreopsis also has a strong flower that I have seen bloom almost continuously for about two years. Its death is short-lived as it self-seeds and reproduces vegetatively through underground rhizomes.
Many species of Coreopsis bloom at this time of year, but there is perhaps no lace evergreen ground cover more attractive than Coreopsis verticillata. Despite its delicate appearance, it is drought and cold tolerant like other Coreopsis species. Plant it near Lake Arrowhead and it will last well through the winter. It is the perfect choice for hanging baskets and all kinds of containers on stud walls. Cultivars 'Purnima' and 'Moonbeem' have yellow sulfur flowers and thin leaves. I've seen Moonbeam die in the winter, but then when the temperatures rise, it starts growing again like a gangster.
The more I research Moonbeam Coreopsis, the more it reminds me of Geranium incanum, another favorite plant of mine. Geranium incanum has soft, finely woven leaves and, like 'moonbeam', is not at all invasive due to its shallow roots. Geranium incanum is less than a foot tall and self-seeds, but it's easy to pull off if you're concerned about where it goes in your garden. Its flowers have the five overlapping petals of all true geraniums and, in this case, are magenta pink. Generally, Geranium incanum is a single feature in flower beds, but I have also seen 'Iceberg' used as a rootstock for white roses. Geranium incanum will need a moderate amount of water to look its best, although it can take as little as a weekly soak.
The Begonia Society of Southern California will host a two-day plant show and sale at Sherman Gardens featuring more than 130 unique begonia species. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. The event offers a rare opportunity to explore the varieties of begonias grown locally. Not usually for sale at local nurseries, a wide variety of begonias will be available for purchase. Experts will be ready to answer your questions and improve your begonia education. Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar. Free for members and $5 for non-members.
California Native of the Week: Giant coreopsis (Leptocyne/Coreopsis gigantea) is a rarity for its thick, sweet stems, feathery leaves and rich tapestry of three-inch-tall daisies floating atop the leaves. It can reach a height of six meters and is perfect for a succulent garden. At the end of summer it goes through a period of rest when its luster fades. It will self seed and spread in sandy soil. The only maintenance guideline that comes with giant coreopsis is this: never water. Water that reaches the ground in summer rots the roots. If you've hiked much of Southern California's pristine coastline, you've likely seen Giant Coreopsis growing on sand dunes and cliffs overlooking the ocean. Giant coreopsis can easily be seen growing, for example, along the beach at Point Doom in Malibu.
If you have a Coreopsis story to tell, send it to joshua@perfectplants.com . Questions and comments about any gardening topic or practice, as well as your photos, are always welcome.
