Coreopsis is a long time favorite of many gardeners. Native to North America, these beauties can fill up space in both a cottage garden and formal garden. There are several types of coreopsis, from threadleaf to large flowered to tall, graceful, open branched types. The most commonly used types in American gardens are the threadleaf and lance-leaf ones.

Threadleaf coreopsis (C. verticillata) has many cultivars and hybrids. It is used to create other varieties by crossing with other species. Varieties like ‘Moonbeam’ and ‘Zagreb’ are used often and loved for their bright, cheery yellow flowers. ‘Roseum’ is a pick flowered version. There are also many cultivars with colors that are more red or burgundy.

Lance-leaf or tickseed coreopsis produces large flowers in abundance through summer. They often have double flowers of golden yellow and stand up amongst the other flowers in a garden. Cultivars like ‘Sunray’ and ‘Jethro Tull’ are favorites.

Coreopsis prefers to be in full sun but can be grown in some part shade conditions. Coreopsis likes well-drained soils but can adapt to dry or clay soils. Threadleaf varieties can be used for borders or in the front of the garden-they often only reach a height of 16 inches. Lance-leaf varieties are good mixed into a perennial cottage garden, paired with coneflower or daisies. Lance-leaf varieties can be short lived, but will reseed into the landscape easily.