If we put a natural Coreopsis grandiflora plant face to face and one of the ones you find in nurseries or florists, you would realize that they hardly look alike. And this plant has been genetically improved, hence it is very different from the one that the plant kingdom created.
But What is Coreopsis grandiflora like? What care does it need? We already told you that it is one of the most appreciated plants for its beauty in flowers. But in this article we are going to clarify everything you need to know about it. Shall we start?
What is Coreopsis grandiflora like?
The name of Coreopsis grandiflora is the scientific, However, the plant is known by that same name (or shortened to Coreopsis). It is native to North America and, as we told you before, it has been genetically improved to be even more attractive.
Physically, the plant is a bush type and will not grow more than 50 centimeters in height. Its shape is usually globose, although it will depend on the care it takes.
Regarding the leaves, they are dark green, elongated and narrow. They don't really attract much attention; the complete opposite of its flowers.
The flowering season of Coreopsis grandiflora is in spring and summer. At that time it produces inflorescences, each with only one flower, which can measure up to four centimeters in diameter. Its color is always yellow, even in the center.
That is why it is often used as a decoration for gardens, although the flowers can also be cut and used in floral arrangements or bouquets. Another option is to use it as a dried flower.
What care does Coreopsis grandiflora need?
With all the above, as well as the photos, You will have had a slight idea of what Coreopsis grandiflora is like. But what about your care? Is it difficult to have in a pot? And planted in the garden? Don't worry, this guide that we have prepared for you will help you know if it is a plant for you or not.
Location and temperature
Being a flowering plant, and also one of the most striking due to the bright yellow color of its flowers, you may wonder if it can be indoors or is better outside.
The answer is simple: better outside in full sun. Coreopsis grandiflora is a plant that requires high doses of direct sun and light, and inside the house, no matter how much we put it in a window, you will not be able to get it (unless you live in a house with a terrace and you have it outside).
Outdoors, you can have it either in a pot or planted in the garden. Although in this case you will have to be more careful with the dispersal of the seeds so that they do not grow outside the place where you have planted them.
Regarding the temperature, The ideal temperature for Coreopsis grandiflora is between 18 and 24ºC. But despite these values, the truth is that it tolerates heat well as well as cold and frost (as long as they are not very long lasting).
Substratum
Coreopsis grandiflora can be planted both in pots and in the garden. In both cases you can use a mixture of universal substrate with a little organic matter, since it does not need fertilizer, but to give it energy so that it settles and, above all, fixes to the earth, it may be appropriate.
Now, the advantage that this plant has is that it can grow equally well in poor soil as in an enriched one. Even on dry and calcareous soils.
The transplant of this plant is carried out approximately every three years, moment when you can also take care of its reproduction.
Irrigation
Irrigation is always one of the most difficult care to achieve the first time. In this case, she likes to have the substrate moist and never completely dry out. Although she resists drought.
Therefore, you can do two things:
Be aware of it to establish a watering schedule depending on the Coreopsis grandiflora. In this case you will have to water often in spring and summer (adjusting it according to the heat) and then extend the watering in autumn and winter.
Add a little worm castings or similar to the substrate to maintain moisture in the soil (and thus water less).
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As we told you before, Coreopsis grandiflora is not a plant that needs a fertilizer. In fact, she herself has the necessary nutrients to get ahead.
Now, you can add a little fertilizer from time to time, as that could help prevent it from wilting for no reason after a few years.
Pruning
Although pruning is not necessary, when the flowers wither they can remain there, using up the plant's energy. That's why, It is recommended to prune when the flowers have already passed away.
Also, if you do that you encourage new flowers to appear again.
Plagues and diseases
Unlike other more "wild" plants, Coreopsis grandiflora is a plant that must be protected from pests, specifically snails, slugs, aphids and red spiders, since they usually go for it easily.
All of them can be treated and, if you catch them in time, they will not affect their condition.
As for diseases, the most dangerous would be, without a doubt, waterlogging.
Multiplication
Finally, The propagation of Coreopsis grandiflora is done through seeds (every year it blooms) or dividing the bush.
Of course, keep in mind that it is a plant that ends up dying after a few years, so if you do not want it to disappear you should separate the plant every three years to avoid this death.
Now all you have to do is find an online or physical store that has a nice specimen of Coreopsis grandiflora and get it for your garden. Do you dare to grow this plant?