Coreopsis verticillata ‘Route 66’ (Threadleaf Coreopsis)

Blooming from mid-summer to mid-fall, Coreopsis verticillata ‘Route 66’ (Threadleaf Coreopsis) is a vigorous perennial bearing loads of large yellow daisies, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with a ruby-red ring that bleeds down the petal tips, and becomes the dominant color in fall. Each flower has a slightly different mix of yellow and red pigments. Adding cheerful color to the landscape, the blossoms are borne on branched stems over the delicate, finely divided, green foliage. Easy to grow, and tolerant of heat and humidity, this Threadleaf Coreopsis is perfect for sunny perennial borders, mass plantings, or patio containers. As an added bonus, one plant will provide you with long-lasting cut flower bouquets all week.

• Grows up to 24-28 in. tall (60-70 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soils and is drought tolerant once established.
• Easy to grow, relatively pest and disease free, this Coreopsis is a favorite of bees and butterflies but is ignored by deer.
• Very versatile, it is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, and cottage gardens, and does great in containers. Effective as an accent plant and spectacular in mass plantings.
• Deadheading of spent flowers will promote new blooms, although this can be tedious. Midsummer shearing (after the first flush of flowers) should help tidy up the plant and promote a fall rebloom.

Coreopsis are a favorite of many gardeners thanks to the bright colors of their flowers and their ability to put up with most garden soils. There are over 100 species available and countless hybrids. Most of them are low maintenance, drought tolerant, and enjoy long blooming seasons. Workhorse perennials in the sunny borders, they make excellent cut flowers.