Coreopsis x 'Lightning Bug'
Common Name(s):
Lightning Bug Coreopsis
Tickseed
Synonym:
Threadleaf Coreopsis
Flower:
YEllow
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Oct
Gold, daisy-like flowers with red centers and gold tips
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Asteraceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Emerald green, narrow, lacy
Fall Color?
YES
Bloom season usually extends into October
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Mounded habit and seed heads provide textural interest and bird food
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
North America
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
10-12"
Spread:
1-2'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Coreopsis is a genus of between 75-80 species from North America, Mexico, Central and South America.
Soil:
Average, well drained
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Balanced slow-release or granular fertilizer once in spring
Mulch:
Shredded leaves, pine straw, or shredded bark
Thrives in full sun, water deeply during dry spells, make sure soil is well-drained, give light fertilizer in spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Can prune or leave stems, apply mulch, occasional water until ground freezes
Spring:
Clean up in early spring before new growth starts, cut back dead stems from previous year, apply light layer compost or balanced slow-release granular fertilizer, ensure soil is well-draining, divide if needed
Summer:
Ensure plant receives full sun, water deeply once a week during dry spells, regularly pinch or trim faded flowers, shear plant by half after flowering, watch for disease
Fall:
Shear back old or aprawling stems after last bloom, after plant goes dormant trim back stems down to 4-6" above soil line, or can leave stems until spring for insects to preotect them over winter
General Care Comments:
Plant in direct sun, give periodic watering in hot dry summers, give excellent drainage, pinch flowers weekly, in mid to late summer shear plant back to up to half its size, leave fall growth and spent stems over winter, apply light compost in spring, divide every 2-3 years in spring
Common Problems
No serious problems. Watch for aphids, white fly and thrips. Mildew is possible.
Diseases:
Powdery Mildew
Insects:
Coreopsis leaf beetles, aphids, thrips, mites
Environmental Problems:
Moisture stress
Pests:
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