Origin
Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail, commonly known as Oemler's tickseed, is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, Asteraceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, in particular, the coastal plain of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.
Common Names
Oemler's tickseed is commonly known by several other names including, Oemler's coreopsis, greater tickseed, sawtooth tickseed, and lobed tickseed.
Appearance
Oemler's tickseed is a perennial herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The stem is erect, with narrow, oblong, and hairy leaves that are 2-4 inches long and ½ to 1½ inches wide. The plant produces numerous large yellow flowers, which have 8-10 ray petals surrounding a yellow center disk. The flowers bloom from late summer through fall and attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Uses
Oemler's tickseed has several uses in horticulture. The plant is a popular addition to wildflower gardens and sunny borders. It is also commonly used for erosion control and as an attractive ground cover in natural areas. The plant's nectar and pollen attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Additionally, some Native-American tribes have historically used coreopsis species for medicinal purposes, such as treating gastrointestinal issues and reducing fever.
Growth Conditions for Coreopsis Major Walt. Var. Oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail
Light Requirements: Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun exposure to thrive. Therefore, it should be planted in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot and dry climates, it is recommended to provide partial shade during the hottest hours of the day to prevent the plant from drying out.
Temperature Requirements: Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34.4 degrees Celsius) and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). However, the plant does not perform well in extreme heat or cold, and it may show signs of stress if exposed to temperatures outside of its preferred range.
Soil Requirements: Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, and moist but not waterlogged. This plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it performs better when the soil is consistently moist. It is important to avoid planting Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail in soils that are too compact or heavy, as these conditions can impede root growth and cause the plant to struggle.
Cultivation
Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail thrives in well-drained soil and prefers areas with full sun exposure. It is ideal to plant seeds in the spring after the last frost has passed. The seeds can be sown directly onto the soil or started indoors about eight weeks before planting outdoors.
Watering Needs
As Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail is well adapted to dry soil, it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. During the plant's initial growth period, watering frequently and deeply encourages the growth of a stronger root system. Once the plant has established itself in the soil, periodic watering during droughts is sufficient.
Fertilization
Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail does not require frequent fertilization. However, a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in the spring as new growth emerges. It is essential not to over-fertilize as this can cause excessive foliage growth and the slow growth of flowers.
Pruning
Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail benefits from periodic pruning to keep the plant tidy, promote healthy growth, and prolong the flowering season. Late spring, after the plant has finished blooming, is ideal for cutting back old growth to encourage new growth. Deadheading spent blooms can also promote additional flowering throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail
Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail, commonly known as Eastern tickseed, is a perennial plant that is native to eastern North America. It is a popular plant among gardeners because of its striking yellow flowers and long blooming period.
There are several methods for propagating Coreopsis major, including seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Coreopsis major is relatively easy to propagate from seeds. Seeds can be collected from the plant after the flowers have bloomed and the seed heads have dried out. To increase germination rates, seeds can be stratified in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting them in the spring.
Seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division
Coreopsis major can also be propagated by dividing mature plants. This should be done in the early spring before new growth appears. The plant should be dug up, and the root system should be carefully divided into sections using a sharp knife or garden fork. Each section should have a healthy amount of roots and at least one shoot.
The divided sections can then be replanted in the garden or potted up and grown on until they are large enough to be planted out.
Stem Cuttings
Coreopsis major can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer from new growth on the plant. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least one set of leaves.
The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be covered with plastic to create a greenhouse effect and placed in a warm, brightly lit area.
The cuttings should be kept moist, and after a few weeks, they should start to develop roots. Once the roots have formed, the new plants can be potted up or planted out in the garden.
Disease Management
Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail is generally a hardy plant and does not have a lot of disease issues. However, certain diseases can still affect the plant, such as:
- Septoria Leaf Spot: These are small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. They start off yellow and eventually turn brown. They can be managed by removing infected leaves and using fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by applying fungicides and removing infected parts of the plant.
- Cercospora Leaf Spot: This disease appears as brown spots with yellow borders on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and using fungicides.
The best way to prevent any disease from affecting the plant is to maintain good hygiene practices, such as removing infected leaves and plant debris and avoiding overhead watering.
Pest Management
Coreopsis major Walt. var. oemleri (Ell.) Britt. ex Small & Vail is also not generally bothered by pests, but there are some pests that can still affect the plant, such as:
- Aphids: These insects suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and wilting. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps and oils or by releasing natural predators like ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: These pests are too small to be seen by the naked eye and appear as yellow speckling on the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps and oils, applying neem oil, or hosing the plant down with water.
- Caterpillars: These insects feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and deformities. They can be managed by picking them off by hand or using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
The best way to prevent any pest problems from affecting the plant is to maintain good garden hygiene practices, such as removing weeds and keeping the area around the plant clean and free of debris.
