Common Name: Cotinus coggygria
Common Species/Varieties: Early Sunrise, Hardy Jewel
Common Colors: Yellow is most common, but can also be found in reds and whites
Plant Type: Flowering
Annual or Perennial: Depends on the variety!
Hardiness Zone: 2-11 USDA
Self-Seeding: Yes
Bloom Season: Annuals bloom in early summer through the fall, and perennials will begin blooming the second year after planting.
Grows Best In: Full sun
Fun Fact: Coreopsis means “always cheerful” in the language of flowers!
This sunny little wildflower doesn’t require a ton of planning or pruning. Plant it in a meadow-type setting or grouping, and deadhead the plant to keep the blooms coming all summer long. In Colorado it may be wise to plant the flowers where they won’t get the full blast of our intense afternoon sun, or the plants may wilt or struggle. Keep annual coreopsis plants well watered, and water perennials regularly at least until they are established. (Don’t forget to water after the sun has gone down or very early in the morning to avoid losing most of the water meant for the plants to the heat of the sun and evaporation!)
Coreopsis is related to the daisy as part of the Asteraceae family, but unlike the daisy, some have special trumpet-shaped round petals!
Bees and other pollinators love these colorful flowers, so plant them anywhere that you’d like to attract pollinators. Some versions of Coreopsis grow taller than others, but most fall in the 1 to 2 foot range. While pollinators enjoy these flowers, deer do not typically prefer them, so feel free to plant them in your space even if you have deer visitors. Like Smoke Bush, Coreopsis has been used as a dye for fabrics, yarns, paper, threads, and more. They are even said to have been used boiled in water as a predecessor to coffee by Native Americans! (Though one should always check on the properties and effects of a plant before using it as a food or beverage!)
