Origin
Coreopsis monticola (Hook.f.) Oliv. var. pilosa Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as hairy mountain tickseed or mountain tickseed, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the mountain regions of East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where it grows at elevations ranging from 2,400 to 3,600 meters above sea level.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including hairy mountain tickseed, mountain tickseed, and hairy coreopsis.
Appearance
The plant is a perennial shrub that grows up to 40 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It has a bushy, erect habit and produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers with a diameter of about 2 cm. The leaves are narrow and lanceolate, measuring about 6 cm in length and 1 cm in width. They are deeply lobed with toothed edges and covered in fine, silky hairs.
Uses
Coreopsis monticola (Hook.f.) Oliv. var. pilosa Hutch. & Dalziel is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping projects. Its bright yellow flowers provide a vibrant splash of color and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant is also used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and stomach complaints.
Growth Conditions for Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa
Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa is commonly known as the "Hairy-leaf tickseed". This plant is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows up to 60 cm in height. It is native to Africa, more specifically to Nigeria.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa thrives in an area with full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to maintain its growth and develop flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers to grow in an area with warm temperature. It can tolerate a wide range of temperature, from 20 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. However, it is sensitive to frost and cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It does not grow well in poorly drained soil. The pH of the soil should range from 6.0 to 7.5.
Additionally, it is recommended to add compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility before planting.
Water Requirements
This plant requires moderate amounts of water. Overwatering or underwatering can damage the plant. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry before watering again.
To encourage healthy growth, it is recommended to apply a layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture in the soil.
Propagation
Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa can be propagated through seeds or division. Seeds can be sown in spring or fall when the soil temperature is around 20 degree Celsius. It takes around 2 to 3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Division is best done in spring or early fall.
In conclusion, Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa is a relatively easy plant to grow, provided it gets adequate sunlight, warmth, water, and drainage.
Cultivation methods
Coreopsis monticola (Hook.f.) Oliv. var. pilosa Hutch. & Dalziel is an easy-to-cultivate plant that is perfect for beginners. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil. It can tolerate dry soil and drought conditions exceptionally well, making it ideal for arid or xeriscaped gardens. Planting this variety of Coreopsis requires adequate spacing of about 18-24 inches between each plant to allow them to grow into a mounded or clump-forming habit.
Watering needs
Coreopsis monticola (Hook.f.) Oliv. var. pilosa Hutch. & Dalziel is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry soil, but it thrives better if watered regularly. Water the plants deeply once a week in dry conditions or when the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch. Avoid wetting the foliage, as it can lead to fungal diseases. A layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture and regulate temperature around the plants' roots.
Fertilization
Coreopsis monticola (Hook.f.) Oliv. var. pilosa Hutch. & Dalziel does not require heavy feeding, as it can result in leggy growth and a reduction in blooming. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer is sufficient. Alternatively, a layer of compost or well-aged manure can provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow healthy and bloom well.
Pruning
Coreopsis monticola (Hook.f.) Oliv. var. pilosa Hutch. & Dalziel does not need a lot of pruning, but deadheading can improve the plant's appearance and encourage more blooms. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers by cutting them back to the base of the stem. It redirects the plant's energy to producing more flowers rather than setting seed. Cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half of its height in late summer or early fall to encourage a bushier habit and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Propagation of Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa
There are various methods that can be used to propagate Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa. One of the most common methods is by seed propagation.
Seed Propagation
To propagate Coreopsis monticola var. pilosa from seed, the seeds must first be collected from the plant. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted outside once they are established.
When sowing the seeds directly into the soil, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1/8 inch, and then lightly covered with soil.
If starting the seeds indoors, it is recommended to sow the seeds in containers with a good quality potting mix. The containers can be covered with plastic wrap to help retain moisture and warmth. Once the seeds have germinated, the plastic wrap should be removed and the seedlings should be placed in a well-lit area.
Regardless of the method used, the seeds will typically germinate within 1-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have reached a height of about 2 inches, they can be transplanted or thinned to allow for better growth.
Disease Management
Coreopsis monticola is a relatively hardy plant, but like any other plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases. To keep this plant healthy, it is essential to keep it disease-free. The following are the common diseases that might affect it and ways to manage them.
1. Gray Mold
Gray mold is one of the most common diseases in Coreopsis monticola, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The symptoms of this disease include brown spots on leaves, stems, and flowers, which eventually turn gray and fuzzy. To manage gray mold, it is essential to keep the foliage dry. Ensure there is proper ventilation in the garden, and avoid overhead watering. Remove any diseased plant material and dispose of it away from the garden to avoid spreading the disease.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another common disease in Coreopsis monticola, caused by the fungus Cercospora sesami. Symptoms include circular brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, ensure the plant is well-ventilated, and avoid overhead watering. Remove any infected leaves and dispose them of properly. Fungicides containing copper may help control the disease as well.
Pest Management
Coreopsis monticola is a hardy plant that is relatively not affected by pests. However, certain pests can still harm the plant, and as a gardener, it is essential to be aware of them and know ways to manage them. The following are common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
1. Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. They cause leaf curling and yellowing. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use biodegradable insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control them.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap out of plants. They cause yellow stippling on the leaves and webs on the plant. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant, and spray them with a strong jet of water. Neem oil is also an effective treatment for spider mites.
By taking disease and pest management seriously, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving Coreopsis monticola plant. Always remember that prevention is better than cure, so keep a close eye on your plant and take necessary precautions before the disease or pests attack.
