The genus coreopsis is Florida’s state wildflower. It is an annual to short-lived perennial. Flowers are bright yellow with a dark brown center. Flowers are 1 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter; flowering is from late spring in north Florida to any time in south Florida. Often planted along roads for beautification and cultivated as garden ornamentals and for cut flowers.
General Information
Scientific name:Coreopsis leavenworthii Pronunciation: kor-ree-OP-sis lev-en-WERTH-ee-eye Common name(s): Leavenworth’s tickseed Family: Asteraceae Plant type: herbaceous; annual to short-lived perennial Origin: native to Florida Uses: edging; mass planting; attracts butterflies
Description
Height: 1 to 3 feet Spread: 1 to 3 feet Plant habit: upright Growth rate: moderate
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite Leaf shape: linear to oblong Leaf blade length: 6-8 inches Leaf color: green
Flower
Flower color: yellow, with dark brown center Flower characteristic: spring, summer, fall, winter; depending on region of Florida
Culture
Light requirement: full sun to high pine shade Soil tolerances: acidic: slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay; occasionally wet Soil Moisture: wet dry to moist Plant spacing: 6 to 12 inches
Other
Winter interest: may flower during winter months in south Florida Invasive potential: may self-seed each year Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant
Use and Management
Coreopsis species are generally short-lived and may only last 3 to 4 seasons. Try using these plants as a border or edge. They are also excellent for naturalizing and will reseed themselves. The stalks become long and weak and tend to break in windy or rainy weather. Coreopsis leavenworthii require a sunny position in the landscape. They prefer well-drained soils that are not too rich; rich soils and overwatering cause these plants to topple over. Keep the soil relatively moist and remove dead flowers immediately to prolong blooming. Place these plants 6 to 12 inches apart in the garden. Seed is the most common method of propagation for coreopsis. Division can also be accomplished in the spring or fall.
Pests and Diseases
None observed.
Request a Plant Showing for this plant or any other…
Barefoot Forest Nursery is open by appointment. We would love to meet you in person and show you our garden, and answer any questions you have in and in full detail.
Please email, call or fill in the web form below which will allow you to select plant types.
yellow, with dark brown center
spring, 
summer, 
fall, 
winter; depending on region of Florida
full sun to high pine shade
wet 
dry to moist