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| Coreopsis is surrounded by ground covers with near-twin blooms of light purple verbena 'Imagination' and heliotropium amplexicaule. |
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There is another possibility regarding the seeds. I sowed a packet of "mixed cottage garden" seeds that included annuals and perennials. Perhaps this coreopsis came from that mix instead? The hint at this possibility is that coreopsis is also growing among hesperis matronalis (Dame's Rocket) that must have come from the mixed packet—along with a barrage of susans (yet to bloom).
Before you all attack me with your gardening hoes, Dame's Rocket is not yet on the invasive list here in North Carolina. The plant is invasive in other states and countries. I'll have to manage it properly to prevent it from escaping the confines of the garden.
The coreopsis blooms have been going strong for at least three weeks, but I've not had to deadhead at this point. Yesterday's heavy rainfall beat the plant down a bit, but it is bouncing back and not drooping too much given the beating.
I've not seen any rabbit damage, but I've not seen any rabbits in the garden so far. There is a feral cat hanging around, not to mention a few black snakes and a hovering red-tailed hawk. This coreopsis is also growing out in the deer resistant garden and I have seen many deer. So far, so good.
I'll let the coreopsis grow as a test this year. If it performs well, I may just let it remain in the cottage garden. I have enough already, so I will deadhead the coreopsis and not let it go to seed.
As for the color gold—right now, I'm enjoying the glowing brightness among the purple blooms.
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| Coreopsis with Dame's Rocket (invasive in some areas). |
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| Coreopsis with purple larkspur (and buds of purple cornflower, not yet opened). |
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| The "back side" of the coreopsis as viewed from the porch after the rain. The "faces" of the coreopsis follow the sun, just like sunflowers. |
| Words and photos by Freda Cameron, Defining Your Home, Garden and Travel. Deer and rabbit resistance varies based upon the animal population and availability of food. All company or product or patented names mentioned are registered trademarks, copyrights, or patents owned by those respective companies or persons. |
You have such pretty textures in your gardens even without the blooms. I'm with you on the Dames Rocket and invasives. I like it in my garden but am keeping an eye on it. So far in the past it actually died out in my garden. Ha! I hope it comes back next year as the blooms are so pretty just like a phlox.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Dames Rocket growing in rocky crevices on the coast of France where it has escaped into the wild. I love the phlox-like blooms, too. This is the first time in my life that I've had it, so I immediately checked our invasive list and was relieved to find it way down on the lowest concern "watch" list. It's biennial, I think. So, I don't know if I'll have any at all next year. The sprouts came up last year from the mixed cottage garden seeds.
DeleteYour garden is always so beautiful. I was thinking of putting out some seeds I found this week. I wonder if it might be too late...
ReplyDeleteIt's time to plant summer annual seeds like zinnias and marigolds.
DeleteI've decided to rip this coreopsis out of the cottage garden! I've purchased more coreopsis 'Star Cluster' a variety that I'm already growing in the cottage garden that is a better yellow and shorter.
ReplyDelete'Star Cluster' must be a great successor if you're going to pull this one. It looks like lanceolata, mine aren't any where near blooming yet.
ReplyDeleteThis gold coreopsis is over three feet and after a hard rain, it flopped all over the surrounding plants. That's too big and unruly for this tight space.
DeleteI'm keeping this big, gold coreopsis out in the deer resistant garden. There were around 30 deer here last night and not one touched the coreopsis blooms.
Like I said while visiting, I love the purples and yellows playing off of each other. Great garden combinations.
ReplyDeleteI love purple and yellow, too. I'll keep this big gold out in the meadow garden and use coreopsis big bang 'Star Cluster'....and 2 more Eucomis in this spot.
DeleteFreda, thanks for your comment on my blog! N.C. can't be any worse than Alabama. Fortunately, I work in a fairly liberal environment and you learn to surround yourself with like-minded folks. Otherwise, I would need therapy!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely, Freda ... all looks grand and so pleasing to the eye! Years ago I grew the gold coreopsis but too strong for my garden ... but I still like the paler yellow threadleaf 'Moonbeam Coreopsis'.
ReplyDelete