Coreopsis rosea Nutt. - Description, Origin, and Common Names
Coreopsis rosea Nutt., also known as pink tickseed or rose coreopsis, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae or daisy family. This species is native to North America, specifically to eastern and central United States.
Pink tickseed is a popular ornamental plant because of its attractive pink flowers that bloom during the summer. Its scientific name is derived from the Greek words “koris” which means “bug” and “opsis” which means “view” referring to the shape of the seed. Meanwhile, the common name "tickseed" is because the seeds look like ticks or insects.
Uses
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. is often cultivated as a garden plant because of its attractive and showy pink flowers. It can be used in landscapes, borders, and rock gardens where it can provide a splash of pink color during the summer. It is also a good choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees and butterflies.
In traditional medicine, some Native American tribes used the roots of Coreopsis rosea Nutt. as an emetic or to induce vomiting. It was also used to treat toothaches and sores. The plant contains several compounds that have shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but more research is needed to confirm its medicinal benefits.
General Appearance
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. is a compact and clump-forming herbaceous perennial with a height and spread of approximately 1-2 feet. Its leaves are small, narrow, and lance-shaped with a bright green color and grow on upright stems. The plant blooms from June to August, producing daisy-like flowers with a diameter of around 1-2 inches. The petals are pink or pinkish-purple in color and have a yellow center. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade, making it easy to grow.
Overall, Coreopsis rosea Nutt. is a charming perennial plant that adds beauty to any garden or landscape it is planted in. Its captivating pink daisy-like flowers attract pollinators making it an ideal plant for nature enthusiasts.
Light Requirements
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. requires full sun exposure to thrive. This plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, and it can tolerate up to 12 hours of sun each day. It's crucial to ensure that the plant doesn't receive shade from other plantations or trees, as this can affect its growth and overall health.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in areas with warm daytime temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Coreopsis rosea Nutt. at night is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause stress to the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced flower production. Therefore, it's essential to provide an optimum temperature range for optimal growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that's mildly acidic to slightly alkaline. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be loose, crumbly, and well-aerated to ensure that the plant's roots can grow freely and take up essential nutrients and water. Additionally, it's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged by watering the plant frequently during the dry seasons. Adding organic matter such as compost to the soil can help improve the soil structure and provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation of Coreopsis Rosea Nutt.
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. is a beautiful and hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers a sunny location and is tolerant of different soil types, including loamy and sandy soils. The plant can be grown from seeds or propagated by division. If growing from seeds, sow them in early spring, while division should be done in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs of Coreopsis Rosea Nutt.
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. is a drought-resistant plant and can survive in dry conditions. However, it requires a moderate amount of water for optimal growth and flowering. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during periods of drought or extremely dry weather. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Coreopsis Rosea Nutt.
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. does not require much fertilizer to grow well. A moderate application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, during the growing season can be beneficial. Be cautious not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning of Coreopsis Rosea Nutt.
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. does not require much pruning. However, deadheading faded flowers can help to prolong the flowering period and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. If the plant becomes too leggy or untidy, you can prune it back by cutting up to two-thirds of the stems in early spring. This will encourage new growth and result in a bushier plant.
Propagation of Coreopsis Rosea Nutt.
Coreopsis rosea Nutt., also known as pink tickseed, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is endemic to the southeastern part of the United States, particularly the Gulf Coast region. Propagation of Coreopsis rosea Nutt. can be done through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
One of the easiest ways to propagate Coreopsis rosea Nutt. is through seeds. The seeds of the plant should be germinated indoors, preferably in late winter or early spring. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill a seed tray with a well-drained seed-starting mix.
- Moisten the soil with water.
- Sow the seeds on the soil surface and cover them lightly with soil.
- Place the tray in a warm and bright location.
- Maintain soil moisture by misting regularly until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two weeks.
- Once the seedlings appear, thin them out to ensure that there is enough space for growth.
- A month after germination, transplant the seedlings to a larger container, and then to the garden after the last frost has passed.
Propagation by Cuttings
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. can also be propagated by cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Here is how to propagate using cuttings:
- Take cuttings from the plant's stem, ensuring that each cutting has a few leaves and a stem.
- Dip the cut end of each stem in rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in a well-drained mix of sand and soilless potting mix.
- Water the cuttings and cover them with a plastic bag or a clear plastic cup to create a humid environment.
- Place the cutting in a bright and warm location, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Check the cuttings regularly for rooting, which usually takes four to six weeks.
- Once the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into a larger container or the garden.
Disease Management
Coreopsis rosea Nutt. can be affected by several diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by circular or angular brown spots on leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy all infected leaves and provide good air circulation.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white or gray powder on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy all infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Crown Gall: Crown gall is a bacterial disease that causes swollen, distorted growth on stems and roots. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plants, and avoid planting in infected soil.
Pest Management
Here are some common pests that might affect Coreopsis rosea Nutt.:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that cause white stippling on leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and improve air circulation.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that cut through the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers around the plant stem, such as collars made of cardboard or plastic, and use biological control methods, like releasing beneficial nematodes in the soil.
