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Coreopsis 'Limerock Ruby'
Limerock Ruby Coreopsis
Hybrid of garden origin; bred by Darrell Probst, Massachusetts
Overview
Coreopsis 'Limerock Ruby' is a compact, mounding, herbaceous perennial reaching 15–18 inches (38–45 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). The cultivar carries daisy-like flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across in deep ruby-red to wine-red — a far deeper red than any yellow-flowered C. verticillata selection and closer to wine-red than the salmon tones of C. rosea parentage. Ray florets are deep ruby-red; disc florets are dark reddish-brown. Bloom runs from June through September with regular deadheading. Leaves are finely divided into thread-like segments (matching C. verticillata) and form a dense airy mound of bright green foliage that contrasts against the dark flower color. Growth rate is moderate. The cultivar was bred by Darrell Probst from a C. verticillata × C. rosea cross combined with further species crosses. Lifespan is 2–4 years; heavy wet soils shorten it, and sharp drainage lengthens it. The deep ruby color can shift toward salmon-red under sustained heat above 95°F (35°C). Without deadheading, bloom slows by August.
Native Range
Coreopsis 'Limerock Ruby' is a hybrid of garden origin involving C. verticillata (native to eastern North America) and additional species crosses. The cultivar was bred by Darrell Probst in Massachusetts and introduced through Limerock Ornamentals.Suggested Uses
Used in borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. The compact size suits front-of-border positions and containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Deep red is rare in coreopsis selections and carries strong color contrast in summer borders. Plantings pair with yellow coreopsis, blue salvias, and silver-leaved perennials. The cultivar works in mass plantings for groundcover effect; the thread-like foliage adds texture. Not planted on wet clay soils or heavily irrigated sites because of shortened lifespan there.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'3" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Daisy-like deep ruby-red to wine-red flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across open from June through September on current-season growth. Continuous bloom depends on regular deadheading; without it, flowering slows by August. Bloom duration with deadheading is 12–14 weeks. Ray florets are deep ruby-red; disc florets are dark reddish-brown.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep ruby-red to wine-redFoliage Description
Bright green, finely divided into thread-like segments (similar to C. verticillata)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Lean slightly sandy soil extends the lifespan, and rich heavy or wet soils shorten it. Drought-tolerant once established. Regular deadheading maintains continuous bloom. A cutback by half in mid-July restores fresh growth and a fall flush if flowering slows. The cultivar is short-lived (2–4 years), so division or replanting every 2–3 years keeps the planting vigorous. The deep red can shift toward salmon-red during sustained heat above 95°F (35°C). No serious pest or disease problems.Pruning
Regular deadheading runs throughout the bloom season. A cutback by half in mid-July restores vigor if flowering slows. All stems are cut to the ground in late fall or early spring. Division every 2–3 years maintains the stand.Pruning Schedule
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F
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summer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons