Overview of Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip.
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the large-flowered tickseed, because of its big yellow flowers that resemble the shape of a tick. The plant is native to the central and western regions of North America, and it thrives in rocky or sandy soils in dry or semi-arid environments.Appearance of Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip.
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread about 2 feet wide. It has a basal rosette of dark green leaves that are lance-shaped, hairy, and arranged in pairs. The leaves are about 5 inches long and 1 inch wide, and they have a slightly rough texture. The stems are also hairy and unbranched, rising from the base of the plant and terminating in a branched inflorescence of yellow daisy-like flowers. The flowers are about 2 inches in diameter, with 8 to 13 petals surrounding a prominent golden-brown disk in the center. The flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer and attract bees, butterflies, and other insect pollinators.Uses of Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip.
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. is a popular garden plant, valued for its showy blooms, long flowering period, and ease of cultivation. It is often used in borders, rock gardens, or as a groundcover plant. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, but can tolerate some drought and heat. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for areas with wildlife browsing. Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. can be propagated by seed or division in the spring or fall. The plant has no known medicinal or culinary uses, but some Native American tribes used the crushed leaves of related species for their astringent and antiseptic properties.Light Requirements
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It is important to ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. This plant can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to spindly growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. prefers moderate temperatures but can tolerate a range of temperatures as long as they are within its hardiness zones. The plant is cold hardy in USDA zones 4-9. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures are too high, the plant may go dormant and stop flowering.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soils. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0-7.0. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types and textures, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil structure and fertility which can encourage healthy growth and development.
Cultivation
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip., commonly known as large-flowered tickseed, is a perennial plant that grows best in well-draining soil and full sunlight. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it will reduce blooming. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. Plant the seeds or seedlings in spring, after the last frost, or in autumn. Space the plants at least 12 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation. Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. prefers moist soil, but avoid waterlogging as it may cause root rot.
Watering Needs
Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting. After that, allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Water deeply and slowly to encourage a strong and deep root system. Always water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage, as it can lead to disease. During the growing season, Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. may need frequent watering in hot and dry climates.
Fertilization
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. does not require a lot of fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year can help boost plant growth and blooming. Apply the fertilizer in early spring when the new growth emerges and again after the first wave of blooming. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as it may encourage lush growth that does not have time to harden off before the winter.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. However, deadheading spent flowers can promote further blooming and a neater appearance. Cut the stem right above the first set of leaves below the spent flower to encourage branching. In autumn, once the plant has gone dormant, you can cut back the foliage to ground level. This will help prevent diseases and promote healthy growth in the following season.
Propagation of Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip.
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. can be propagated both by seeds and vegetatively.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when the seed heads have turned brown, but before they have opened up completely. The seeds can then be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors in containers.
If starting indoors, the seeds should be sown in trays or pots filled with a soilless seed-starting mix. The seeds should be barely covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate. Germination usually occurs within one to two weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the garden bed.
Vegetative propagation
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. can also be propagated vegetatively through division. This method is particularly useful if you want to propagate a specific cultivar or if the plant has become too large and needs to be divided to maintain its vigor.
The best time to divide Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. is in the early spring, just as new growth is starting to emerge. To divide the plant, dig it up and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have several healthy stems and a good root system. The new divisions can then be replanted at the same depth as the original plant and watered well.
Propagation of Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip. is relatively easy and can result in many new plants to add to your garden or to share with friends and family.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis Macrantha Sch.Bip.
Coreopsis macrantha Sch.Bip., commonly known as Large-flowered Tickseed or Greater Tickseed, is a perennial plant that produces beautiful bright yellow flowers. Like any other plant species, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can occur on the leaves and stems of Coreopsis macrantha plants. It can cause stunted growth, curled leaves, and premature death of the infected plant. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Prune affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide spray.
2. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow-orange spots on the leaves, stem, and flowers of Coreopsis macrantha. It can also cause premature defoliation of the plant. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and spray fungicide on the plant.
3. Stem Rot: Stem rot is a fungal disease that can cause the stems of Coreopsis macrantha to rot. It can also cause wilting and death of the infected plant. To manage stem rot, avoid over-watering the plant and provide proper drainage. Remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the leaves and stems of Coreopsis macrantha plants. They can cause wilting, stunted growth, and distortion of the plant. To manage aphids, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant or introduce natural predators like ladybugs to the garden.
2. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that can cause yellowing and death of the leaves of Coreopsis macrantha plants. They can also cause stunted growth and reduction in the quality of the flowers. To manage whiteflies, use sticky traps to catch adult whiteflies, remove infected plant parts, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that can cause yellowing and defoliation of Coreopsis macrantha plants. They can also cause premature death of the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like predatory mites or lacewings to the garden.
With proper disease and pest management, Coreopsis macrantha can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.
