Overview
Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff, also known as Hairy Coreopsis, is a common garden plant known for its attractive yellow flowers. It is a popular choice among gardeners due to its low maintenance and easy-to-grow nature.Origin and Common Names
The origin of Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff is believed to be North America, where it is commonly found in open fields and woodland clearings. This plant is also known by several common names such as Large-flowered Tickseed, Hairy Coreopsis, and Common Tickseed.Appearance
This plant has deep green leaves that grow up to 45 cm in length, forming a bushy habit. Large flowers up to 5 cm in diameter sit atop tall stems that may reach 60 cm in height. The flowers are typically yellow with dark red centers. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.Uses
Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff is mostly popular as a garden plant or a border plant for landscaping. It is known for its long-lasting blooms that provide a splash of color to a garden. The plant is also used in the production of herbal medicines due to its medicinal properties. It is believed that the plant can help treat several ailments such as fever, headache, and respiratory infections. The Hairy Coreopsis plant is often used by herbalists to make teas and tinctures to help alleviate these symptoms.Light Requirements
The Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff plant requires full sun to grow properly. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to ensure that it reaches its full growth potential. If the plant is grown in a shaded area, it will result in poor growth and minimal flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff plant grows well in moderate temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit will result in stunted growth and decreased blooming. In cold temperatures, the plant will go dormant and will not show any new growth until spring.
Soil Requirements
The Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff plant requires well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil type for this plant is sandy loam, but it can also grow in other soil types, including clay and loam. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff, commonly known as Hairy Tickseed, is a tough perennial that is easy to grow and care for. It thrives in well-draining soil with full sun exposure, making it suitable for most garden types. The plant can be propagated via seeds or divisions. Direct sow seeds in the garden in the spring after the last frost. If growing from divisions, plant them during the fall when temperatures are cooler.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial to the success of Hairy Tickseed. Watering should be done less frequently, but deeply. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot. It is essential to check the soil before watering to avoid waterlogging the soil. During the hot summer months, the plant may need more frequent watering. However, continue to ensure the soil adequately dries before rewatering.
Fertilization
Fertilization will keep Hairy Tickseed thriving and blooming throughout the growing season. Fertilize the plant twice a year, first in the spring and next in mid-summer. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Follow the instructions on the label for best results. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it may lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Proper pruning of Hairy Tickseed is essential to keep the plant looking healthy and encourage prolonged blooming. Pruning should be done during the fall or early spring. Trim the plant's stem by half to promote bushy growth. Deadhead the blooms regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Discard any dead or diseased flowers and leaves as soon as they appear. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and pests and keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff
Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff or the Hairy-flowered Tickseed is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This species is well-known for its yellow flowers with hairy petals. It is a popular garden plant and can be propagated by various methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff. The seeds must be sown in the fall or spring when the soil has warmed up. The seeds must be planted approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch deep in a well-draining soil mix. The soil must be kept moist, and the seeds must germinate in two to three weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location six weeks after germination.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method to propagate Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in bloom. The plant must be dug up carefully, and the root system must be divided into sections. Each section must have at least one leaf and a portion of the root system. The divided sections can be transplanted to their permanent location immediately.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a less common method to propagate Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff. This method is best done in the summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting must be taken from a non-flowering stem, and the leaves from the bottom half of the stem must be removed. The cutting should be approximately four inches long and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist, and roots should develop within six to eight weeks. The rooted cutting can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease management
Like all plants, Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, blights, and stem cankers. To manage anthracnose, remove infected leaves and stems and provide good air circulation and drainage.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant material and provide good air circulation and spacing between plants.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes rust-colored spots on leaves and stems. To manage rust, remove infected plant material and provide good air circulation and spacing between plants.
To prevent diseases in Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff, it's important to avoid overcrowding, provide good air circulation and drainage, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest management
Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff can also be affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from plant leaves and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and fine webbing on a plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These small insects can cause distorted or discolored leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, remove infected plant material and use beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.
It's important to regularly inspect Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet var. pilosa Sherff for signs of pests and remove infected plant material promptly. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Instead, use targeted pest management methods like insecticidal soaps or beneficial insects.
