Threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata 'Golden Dream')
Coreopsis verticillata 'Golden Dream' is a low-maintenance herbaceous perennial offering bright yellow daisy flowers from June to August in sunny, dry spots.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’, commonly known as Threadleaf coreopsis, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial prized for its fine texture and exceptionally long bloom period. This cultivar provides masses of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers from early summer through August, making it a reliable color source in sunny borders. Its delicate, thread-like foliage offers a light, airy contrast to coarser garden plants, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Growing to about one foot tall and wide, Threadleaf coreopsis thrives where many other garden favorites struggle. It prefers conditions on the drier side and tolerates poor soils, heat, and humidity with ease. This resilience makes Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance impact.
This variety, a mutation discovered in Japan, offers superior flower color and duration compared to some relatives. For gardeners looking to establish naturalized drifts or reliable border edging, the dependable performance of Threadleaf coreopsis is a significant asset.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Yellow rays with orange-yellow center disk
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ in spring or fall after the danger of hard frost, ensuring the location receives full sun for optimal flowering. This plant is incredibly adaptable but performs best in well-drained soil. It thrives in conditions described as dry to medium moisture and handles poor, sandy, or rocky soils excellently, suggesting drainage is the most critical factor for success.
Maintenance for Threadleaf coreopsis is generally low. While prompt deadheading can encourage more blooms and prevent unnecessary self-seeding, it can become tedious across large plantings due to the profusion of flowers. Unlike some species plants, Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ spreads primarily by rhizomes and will not reseed aggressively in the garden.
To rejuvenate the plant and encourage a substantial secondary flush of blooms, shear the foliage back by about one-third in mid to late summer. This shearing removes spent bloom stalks and prevents the plant from looking unkempt later in the season. Avoid overly rich or consistently moist soils, as these conditions can lead to sprawling or crown rot.
Landscape Uses
The architectural delicacy of Threadleaf coreopsis makes it invaluable in mixed herbaceous borders, where its fine texture softens the edges of adjacent plants. It excels when used to naturalize areas, forming soft, continuous bands of color along paths or property lines. Its drought tolerance ensures it maintains its appearance even during dry spells.
Consider using Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ at the front of perennial beds or in cottage gardens requiring reliable, long-blooming perennial interest. Because it prefers dry soil, pair it with other sun-loving, low-water companions like Sedum, various ornamental grasses, or hardy Salvias. It works well in native plant gardens, providing texture and continuous nectar sources.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Coreopsis verticillata, commonly called threadleaf coreopsis or whorled coreopsis, is a rhizomatous perennial which typically grows in dense, bushy clumps to 1-3’ tall. Features yellow, daisy-like flowers (1-2” diameter) with yellow untoothed rays and yellow center disks. The genus name comes from the Greek words koris meaning “bug” and opsis meaning “like” in reference to the shape of the seed which resembles a bug or tick. ‘Golden Dream’ typically grows in a dense, bushy clump to 12” tall, differing from similar cultivars by having smaller flowers (each to 1” diameter), a much longer bloom time, and better yellow flower color. Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with elongated rays and darker yellow-orange center disks appear singly in loose clusters in a lengthy late spring to late summer bloom period which sometimes extends to first frost.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ is generally robust, suffering from no serious insect or disease problems. Gardeners should monitor for slugs and snails, especially when new growth first emerges. The primary cultural hazard is crown rot, which occurs only when the plant is situated in poorly drained soil that remains constantly wet.
If grown in overly fertile or very moist soil, the plant may tend to sprawl or lose its compact shape. To manage this, ensure sharp drainage and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization. While uncommon, fungal issues like powdery mildew or botrytis can appear, especially in humid conditions; good air circulation helps mitigate these risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Threadleaf coreopsis suitable for?
Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Threadleaf coreopsis grow?
This perennial typically reaches a modest height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, with a similar spread of 0.75 to 1 foot wide.
When does Threadleaf coreopsis bloom?
This cultivar exhibits a long bloom season, typically running from June through August, producing bright yellow rays with an orange-yellow center disk.
What sun exposure does Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ need?
For best performance and continuous blooming, Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ requires full sun exposure.
Conclusion
For gardeners needing reliable, low-maintenance color that performs exceptionally well in dry, sunny conditions, few plants rival the merits of Threadleaf coreopsis. The fine texture and prolonged bloom cycle of Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ make it an indispensable element for summer interest. Before planting, confirm your site offers full sun and excellent drainage to ensure this drought-tolerant beauty thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
When establishing beds featuring Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’, select companions that share its requirement for full sun and tolerance for dry conditions once established. Plants that thrive in similar lean, well-drained soils will complement its low-input needs perfectly. Good partners include many native prairie species that do not require supplemental watering throughout the summer.
Consider pairing the airy texture of Threadleaf coreopsis with structural elements like upright Sedums (like ‘Autumn Joy’), ornamental grasses such as Little Bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium), or silvery foliage plants like Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina). These combinations create visual depth while maintaining a cohesive requirement for minimal moisture once established.
Wildlife Benefits
While the primary appeal of this Tickseed cultivar is aesthetic, its dense summer bloom provides essential resources for local fauna. The daisy-like flowers are highly attractive to many types of native bees and smaller pollinating insects throughout its long bloom period from June to August.
As a member of the Asteraceae family, the flower heads are structured perfectly for easy access by short-tongued pollinators. Planting masses of Coreopsis verticillata ‘Golden Dream’ creates a significant nectar corridor, supporting garden biodiversity as a vibrant addition to pollinator patches.
