Coreopsis: characteristics, care and cultivation

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, the Coreopsis is a very generous herbaceous plant. There are many species used for ornamental purposes, but the most widespread are the
Coreopsis grandiflora and Coreopsis lanceolata. Depending on the variety you have a height that varies between about 30 and 50cm. They are characterized by a flowering reminiscent of daisies, but more frayed, with a very long duration. The flowers range from bright yellow to orange, with a dark red tip at the base of the petals.
The height, depending on the variety, ranges from 30 to 50cm. These are extremely robust plants with a long life, capable of withstanding both cold and even frost and intense heat.

Cultivation

Coreopsis is a plant that loves direct exposure to the sun, with little tolerance for shady environments, to which it responds with poor blooms. Not very suitable for humid environments, they are mainly affected by a high sensitivity to diseases. The flowering is very long, but it can be prolonged if the flowers that are dried are eliminated, in such a way that the plant does not consume energy for the production of the seeds. It needs little moisture and does not need to be watered often, but when the flower heads begin to bend, they must be watered, avoiding stagnation even in the saucer.
When the plant starts to dry in autumn, it must be cut to the ground to allow for the invernal rest, and the new ones thrown in the spring. The roots, which do not need special care or protections in winter, easily surpass even the harshest seasons in quiescence. The propagation is carried out simply by separating the clumps in spring which will generate new independent plants. It is sufficient to put the roots to stay in pots with non-recovery soil to have new healthy specimens. Fertilization must be moderate, and made every 15-20 days with a nitrogenous liquid product for flowering plants or with nitrogenous granules.

Diseases and cures

Coreopsis is prone to white sickness and mildew if moisture is excessive. In this case the first stems wither and then rot, risking to attack the roots too. It is prevented by avoiding evening watering in the hot seasons and positioning the plants in sunny areas. Infections are prevented by treatments based on sulfur products in spring and autumn, with temperatures above 6-8 degrees, but below 30 degrees.

Curiosity

There are many variations of Coreopsis including the Coreopsis tinctoria, used in many Central American countries as a red pigment.
Coreopsis tinctoria is also used to make a tea-like drink.