Plant field guide
Coreopsis (Lanceleaf)
One of the most cheerful and free-blooming native wildflowers of eastern North America. Bright yellow daisies cover the plants for weeks. Extremely drought tolerant and self-sowing once established. Excellent pollinator plant.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Coreopsis lanceolata
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 12 in (30 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 18 in (46 cm)
- Spacing
- 18 in (46 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 3–9; average annual extreme minimum from -40°F (-40.0°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: July, August.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Deadhead promptly for longest bloom season; or allow to self-sow for naturalized drifts. Short-lived perennial that perpetuates readily by seed. Thrives in poor, dry soils where other plants struggle. Different species than Coreopsis verticillata.
Pruning
Deadhead spent blooms regularly for maximum rebloom. After peak bloom, shear back by 1/3 for a flush of new growth and possible rebloom.
Fertilizer
Minimal — excess fertility reduces bloom
None needed in average soil
Mulch
Light mulch — too much mulch around crown can cause rot.