Origin
Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. originates from the highlands of East Africa, specifically Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which comprises a vast number of flowering plants.
Common names
The plant is commonly referred to as Stuhlmann's Tickseed, due to the German explorer Franz Stuhlmann, who documented it during his expeditions in East Africa in the late 19th century. It is also known as Golden Rain Daisy, Goldenwave Tickseed, and Golden Rain Coreopsis.
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses since its traditional use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Some African tribes also believe that the plant can cure various diseases, including malaria. The plant's extract has also been investigated for its potential use as a natural preservative, owing to its antioxidant activity.
General appearance
Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 1 meter wide. It has a spreading habit and produces golden yellow flowers arranged in panicles. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and deeply lobed, with an overall green appearance. The plant requires full sun exposure, well-drained soils, and moderate watering to flourish. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, but its natural beauty is a sight to behold in its native habitats.
Growth Conditions for Coreopsis stuhlmannii O. Hoffm.
Light Requirements: Coreopsis stuhlmannii O. Hoffm. requires full sun to grow properly. It cannot thrive in shade or partial sun conditions. As such, it is advisable to grow the plant in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements: The plant can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, including cool temperatures. However, the ideal temperature range for Coreopsis stuhlmannii O. Hoffm. is between 60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C). It can survive temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C).
Soil Requirements: Coreopsis stuhlmannii O. Hoffm. prefers well-draining, slightly alkaline soils with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile since the plant is a heavy feeder. Additionally, it would be best if you kept the soil moist but not water-logged to avoid root and stem rots.
Water Requirements: As mentioned earlier, it is advisable to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate drainage in your planting area. Water the plant immediately after planting to help settle the soil. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and more often during hot and dry weather.
Fertilizer Requirements: Fertilize Coreopsis stuhlmannii O. Hoffm. frequently throughout the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. It would be best to apply the fertilizer at half strength to prevent fertilizer burn, which can damage the plant's foliage and roots.
Propagation: Coreopsis stuhlmannii O. Hoffm. can be propagated by seed or by division. Propagation by seed is relatively easy since the plant readily self-seeds and may even naturalize in some regions. Alternatively, you can propagate the plant by division during the spring or fall when the plant is not actively blooming; divide the parent plant into several sections, each with its roots, and replant them in well-draining soil.
Cultivation of Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm.
Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. can easily grow in a variety of soil types, whether they are well-draining or poorly draining. This plant is also highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping projects. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Watering Needs
While Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. is drought-tolerant, it still requires some water to thrive. Newly planted specimens will need frequent watering until they become established. Once established, they might need regular watering, especially during periods of hot and dry weather, but they can tolerate drought for extended periods.
Fertilization
Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. doesn't require a lot of fertilization to thrive. A soil test can determine what nutrients are in short supply, but adding a general-purpose fertilizer once every month during the growing season should be enough to support their growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Deadheading Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. regularly will encourage the growth of new flowers and keep the plant looking tidy. If the plant starts to look leggy or unattractive, cut it back by a third to a half of its height in mid to late summer. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant in good health.
Propagation of Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm.
Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm., commonly known as Stuhlmann's tickseed, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to Tanzania and is famous for its yellow flowers that bloom from July to October.
If you are interested in propagating Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm, you can do so either through seeds or by dividing the plant.
Propagation by seeds:
You can propagate Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. by using seeds. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect the seeds from the parent plant after the blooming season is over.
- Clean the seeds and dry them for a few days.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture in a pot or a seedbed.
- Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
- Transplant the seedlings into a larger pot or a garden bed when they are big enough.
- Make sure the new plants receive enough sunlight and water to grow healthy.
Propagation by division:
You can also propagate Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. by dividing the plant. Here are the steps to follow:
- Dig up the parent plant with a spade or a fork carefully.
- Separate the plant at the roots, making sure that each division has enough leaves and roots to survive.
- Plant each division in a well-draining soil mixture in a pot or a garden bed.
- Water the divisions well and keep the soil moist until they establish roots.
Propagation of Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. can be a rewarding process, and it allows you to grow more of these stunning plants. Regardless of the propagation method you choose, ensure that the new plants receive enough nutrients, water, and sunlight to thrive.
Disease Management for Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm.
Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can still be vulnerable to some diseases.
One common disease that might affect Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. is rust. Rust usually appears as powdery orange or yellow spots on the leaves, and can quickly spread throughout the plant. To manage rust, remove any infected leaves or flowers as soon as possible. Make sure to dispose of them where they cannot infect other plants. You can also use fungicides that contain copper to protect your plant.
Another disease that might affect Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and buds of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, increase air circulation by pruning any dense or overgrown areas of the plant. You can also use fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate or neem oil to control the disease.
Pest Management for Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm.
Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. may also be vulnerable to some pests.
One common pest that might affect Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. is aphids. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing them to wilt or curl. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also attract natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to your garden.
Another pest that might affect Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that live on the undersides of leaves and can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Overall, maintaining healthy plants through proper watering and fertilization is the best way to prevent disease and pest infestations. By keeping your Coreopsis stuhlmannii O.Hoffm. plant healthy, you can minimize the risk of disease and pest problems.
