Overview
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Missouri Coreopsis or Southeastern Tickseed. The plant is native to the central and southeastern United States and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woods.
Appearance
The Missouri Coreopsis plant grows up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has hairy stems and leaves, with the leaves being deeply divided, giving them a delicate, lacy appearance. The flowers of the plant are bright yellow and daisy-like, measuring approximately 2-2.5 inches in diameter. The petals are typically toothed at the tips and surround a prominent disc of small, tubular flowers at the center.
Uses
The Missouri Coreopsis plant is primarily grown for its ornamental value. The bright yellow flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and make for an excellent addition to flower beds and gardens. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties. Native Americans used a tea made from the leaves and flowers as a treatment for fever and stomach problems. The plant is also used in some traditional medicines for treating gastrointestinal ailments and as a tonic.
Overall, the Missouri Coreopsis plant is an attractive and useful addition to any garden or landscape. Its bright yellow flowers and delicate foliage make it a standout, while its medicinal properties add to its value.
Light Requirements
The Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. plant requires full sun exposure, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Therefore, it is a perfect outdoor plant that grows best in open fields, gardens, meadows, and prairies. It can also tolerate partial shades but at the cost of reduced bloom production and plant vigor.
Temperature Requirements
The Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. plant is adaptable to various temperature conditions and can survive both the hottest summers and frosty winters. However, it thrives in moderate temperature ranges, with an average temperature range of 55°F to 75°F. It can tolerate extreme heat up to 100°F but requires adequate moisture levels to thrive. Also, the average low temperature for this plant is 15°F to 20°F, and it can tolerate such freezing temperatures but needs proper mulching to protect the roots during prolonged cold weather spells.
Soil Requirements
The Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. plant prefers well-draining soils that are nutrient-rich, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Loamy soil that is supplemented with organic manure and compost provides an ideal environment for this plant to grow. It can also tolerate sandy or rocky soils with low fertility, but it requires regular watering and feeding to maintain the optimal growth conditions. The plant can survive in dry conditions, but it needs weekly watering in the absence of rainfall.
Cultivation
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a range of soil types and climates. These plants require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
It is recommended to plant Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. in full sun or partial shade. Exposure to sunlight will ensure that the plant blooms profusely.
The plants should be dug into the ground and watered thoroughly. We recommend planting Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. in the spring when the ground is dry and warm.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. requires regular watering during the growing season. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather and soil type.
It is advisable to water the plant at the base to avoid leaves getting wet, which can lead to disease. We recommend watering twice a week and increasing the frequency during hot and dry periods.
Fertilization
It is essential to provide the necessary nutrients to support the growth of Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm.. These plants require regular fertilization throughout the growing season.
We recommend fertilizing the soil before planting and providing slow-release fertilizer every six weeks. The slow-release fertilizer will ensure the plant has the necessary nutrients without over-fertilizing the soil.
Pruning
Pruning of Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. is essential to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. These plants should be pruned once a year in the early spring before new growth appears.
We recommend cutting off the old growth to promote new growth. Deadheading is also essential to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and to promote consistent blooms throughout the season.
Propagation of Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm.
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. can be propagated via different methods, including seed propagation, cloning, and division.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. is through seeds. The seeds need to be collected after the flowering season, around late summer or fall. To ensure the best quality of seeds, it is recommended to select the healthiest and most matured flowers.
Once collected, the seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until it is time for propagation. Before sowing the seeds, it is essential to scarify them or soak them in warm water for at least 24 hours to break their hard outer coating. Afterward, the seeds can be directly sown into trays or pots filled with light, well-draining soil. They should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Cloning
Another option for propagating Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. is through cloning. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy and mature plant and rooting them in a suitable growing medium. To ensure success, it is recommended to take cuttings during early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be around 3-4 inches in length and should be taken from the nodes just below the leaf. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce water loss. The cuttings should then be dipped into rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of perlite and peat moss. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until new growth appears, which usually takes two to three weeks. Once the roots have developed, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Division
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant's root ball into several sections and replanting them in their permanent locations. It is vital to choose healthy and mature plants and to perform the division during early spring or fall, when the plant is dormant.
The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be separated into several smaller pieces, ensuring that each section has roots and foliage. The newly divided plants should be transplanted into a temporary location and should be watered regularly until they become established. Once established, they can be transplanted to their permanent locations.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis Pubescens Ell. Var. Debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm.
Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. is a hardy plant that is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, like all plants, it is not immune to attacks from pests and pathogens. Below are some common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Pest Management
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that are commonly found on the underside of leaves. They suck the sap from the plant, which can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. To control aphids, you can spray the plant with a mixture of dish soap and water. Alternatively, you can use an insecticide that is labeled for use on aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves, as well as webbing on the plant. To control spider mites, you can spray the plant with water to knock them off, or you can use an insecticide that is labeled for use on spider mites.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are common pests that eat holes in the leaves of the plant. To control slugs and snails, you can use a slug and snail bait that is labeled for use on garden plants.
Disease Management
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It causes the plant to wilt and die. To prevent crown rot, make sure the plant is growing in well-draining soil. If you suspect crown rot, dig up the plant and inspect the roots. Infected roots will be brown and mushy. If the plant is infected, remove it and dispose of it in the trash.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To control rust, remove infected leaves from the plant and dispose of them in the trash. You can also apply a fungicide that is labeled for use on rust.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To control powdery mildew, you can spray the plant with a mixture of milk and water. Alternatively, you can use a fungicide that is labeled for use on powdery mildew.
Overall, Coreopsis pubescens Ell. var. debilis (Sherff) E.B. Sm. is an easy-to-grow plant that is relatively pest and disease resistant. With proper care and attention, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving for years to come.
