Coreopsis varieties and species: differences & growing tips

With their abundant, radiant flowers, Coreopsis varieties are especially enchanting in combination with other prairie perennials. Discover some of the many Coreopsis species and varieties there are to choose from.

When it comes to Coreopsis, there really is something for everyone — flowers with single or double blooms and sulphur yellow, yellow, orange or multicoloured petals, as well as varying growth heights, longevity and leaf shapes. Read on to discover some of the most popular Coreopsis varieties and species to help you decide on the best one for your garden.

Coreopsis varieties and species: how many are there?

Coreopsis, also known as calliopsis and tickseed, is a genus comprising about 115 species. A large variety of them can be found in eastern North America, Mexico and the Andes. Due to the close relationship with the genus Bidens, there have already been some rearrangements in the taxonomic field. Both Bidens and Coreopsis also represent the genera with the greatest species richness in the Coreopsideae tribe. But the species diverge even further, since there are also numerous variations among those used as decorative plants.

Our favourite coreopsis varieties and species

Keep reading to discover some of the most popular ornamental calliopsis varieties and get tips on growing them. Once you have decided on your ideal variety, find out more information on overwintering and propagating Coreopsis plants in our follow-up article.

Large-flowered tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora)

The large-flowered tickseed tends to grow quite thick and bushy, reaching anywhere from 40 to 80cm high. The leaves are mainly basal and on the lower two-thirds of the stems. Coreopsis grandiflora has bright flowers with single, semi-double or double blooms. The single flower varieties are best suited for use as an insect pasture. Large-flowered tickseed can be planted in smaller groups, as long as you keep a planting distance of about 40cm between plants. With the exception of the Coreopsis grandiflora ˈEarly Sunriseˈ, the following grandiflora varieties can withstand temperatures down to about -23 °C.

Tip: Coreopsis grandiflora is also excellent as cut flowers, as the flowers will keep in a vase for up to 2 weeks.

• Coreopsis grandiflora ˈSunfireˈ: the golden-yellow single flowers of this variety have burgundy eyes and can last until October. This variety has a bushy growth habit and reaches a height of about 50cm. ˈSunfireˈ are a short-lived Coreopsis variety.

• Coreopsis grandiflora ˈEarly Sunriseˈ: this variety bears its golden-yellow, semi-double flowers, which are also well suited for use as cut flowers, from June to October. Unlike most other varieties, ˈEarly Sunriseˈ is hardy to about -17 °C.

• Coreopsis grandiflora ˈFullMoonˈ: this richly flowering variety bears its pale light-yellow flowers until September. It reaches a height of about 50 – 60cm and is a vigorous and healthy perennial.

Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

The lanceleaf coreopsis thrives in containers due to its limited maximum growth height of 40cm. This coreopsis variety tolerates drought extremely well, so can even be planted in stony areas. It thrives in moderately dry to moist, well-drained loamy soils or porous gravel. Lanceleaf coreopsis copes well with summer drought and the flowering period extends from June to September. Coreopsis lanceolata flower petals are conspicuously incised and, depending on the variety, can be bright yellow or yellow with red towards the centre of the flower. This species is also particularly suitable for planting in small clusters about 30cm apart. It can withstand temperatures as low as -23 °C.

• Coreopsis lanceolata ˈGoldfinkˈ: this very densely growing perennial has pure golden yellow flowers and reaches a height of 20 – 25cm.

• Coreopsis lanceolata ˈSterntalerˈ: this coreopsis type has a reddish-brown coloured flower centre. It grows bushy and dense, and reaches a height of about 25 – 40cm. This variety is also excellent for use as cut flowers.

Thread leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)

A striking feature of the thread leaf coreopsis, which its name already gives away, is the ultra-fine foliage. It is also known as thread leaf tickseed, whorled tickseed and whorled coreopsis. Coreopsis verticillata flower petals are also quite narrow and taper to a point or round off. The flowers appear in large numbers from June to September. The following varieties are suitable as cut flowers and can be planted in both smaller and larger groups at a planting distance of 30 to 35cm between plants. Coreopsis verticillata need dry to fresh soil. Stony soils that only have a moderate amount of nutrients are a great option for thread leaf coreopsis, as this species spreads rapidly in overly fertile soil. In contrast to short-lived species, thread leaf coreopsis are robust perennials that develop into lush flowering stalks aided by short runners. In the right conditions, this Coreopsis verticillata variety will self-seed. The thread leaf tickseed can also withstand temperatures down to about -23 °C.

• Coreopsis verticillata ˈGrandifloraˈ: also known as ˈGolden Showerˈ, this richly flowering variety can reach a height of 60cm and has golden yellow, pointed petals.

• Coreopsis verticillata ˈZagrebˈ: the flowers of the ˈZagrebˈ variety are also golden yellow, but they grow low and compact, up to 30cm tall.

• Coreopsis verticillata ˈMoonbeamˈ: this variety is a hybrid that was probably created by crossing Coreopsis rosea. The brilliant sulphur yellow flowers contrast well with the dark green foliage. ˈMoonbeamˈ grows to a height of about 40cm.

Tall tickseed (Coreopsis tripteris)

Tall tickseed, or tall coreopsis, lives up to its name with impressive growth heights between 150 and 240cm. This species is vigorous and spreads by underground rhizome runners. It is best to plant tall tickseed individually or in small groups of up to three plants, keeping a planting distance of 120cm. Coreopsis tripteris leaves have a striking three-part division and the yellow, loosely distributed flowers appear from late July to September. Tall coreopsis plants are robust and assertive with good stability. They prefer moist, nutrient-rich, and loamy to humus-rich soils. They can even withstand temperatures as low as -34 °C.

• Coreopsis tripteris ˈFlower Towerˈ: this variety reaches a towering height of 180 – 240cm. ‘Flower Tower’ has strong stems, but a short flowering time of four to five weeks.

• Coreopsis tripteris ˈRed Novemberˈ: the unusual and name-defining feature of this species is the purple-red autumn foliage. ˈRed Novemberˈ reaches heights of 150 – 200cm.

Pink tickseed (Coreopsis rosea)

Pink tickseed plants, like the Coreopsis tripteris varieties, also have narrow, needle-shaped foliage. Coreopsis rosea flowers display an enchanting spectrum of colour variations. As this species is a compact, low-growing perennial, it does well in pots. It is also easy to avoid waterlogging while maintaining a slightly moist soil requirement in pots. In contrast to the other species, the different Coreopsis rosea varieties offer a vast selection of flower colours, though predominantly in pink hues. Since pink tickseed is only hardy to about -15 °C, light winter protection is necessary in cold locations.

• Coreopsis rosea ˈAmericanDreamˈ: this variety boasts monochrome light pink flowers that appear from July to September. The growth is compact and cushion-like, reaching a 20 – 30cm height.

• Coreopsis rosea ˈLimerock Rubyˈ: the ray-shaped, red-coloured flowers of this lanky variety can be admired from August to September. ‘Limerock Ruby’ grows 25cm tall and can be used in containers or for cuttings.

• Coreopsis rosea ˈSnowberryˈ: this variety has very unusual, bicoloured flowers from July to September. It generally grows from 30 – 40cm tall and can be used in various ways.

• Coreopsis rosea ˈLimerockDreamˈ: this variety opens its dreamy, apricot-coloured flowers from August to September. It reaches a height of 20 – 25cm.

Golden tickseed (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Golden tickseed is an annual species with a 50 to 80cm growth height. The attractive yellow flowers with reddish-brown centres appear from early July to late September and make fantastic cut flowers. Encourage new shoots by pruning Coreopsis tinctoria after the first bloom. These tickseeds do best in well-drained, nutrient-rich, dry to moist soil. Keep a planting distance of 20 to 25cm. Keep in mind that Coreopsis tinctoria is not winter hardy.

Purple betony (Stachys officinalis) is another perennial with quite similar site requirements to Coreopsis. Also known as the common hedge nettle, purple betony was long regarded as an important medicinal plant in European herbal medicine.