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Coreopsis, Genus, 'Moonbeam', Cultivar,
- Genus
- Cultivar
Moonbeam tickseed
Garden origin, United States (genus: Americas)
Overview
Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' is a mounding, clump-forming perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae) and a cultivar of the threadleaf type of Coreopsis, reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Leaves are opposite and divided into thread-like segments 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long and under 0.1 inch (2 mm) wide, medium green, forming a feathery mass. Daisy-like flower heads are pale lemon yellow, 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, with eight notched ray petals around a yellow disk, and are borne singly on stems 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above the foliage mound. Flowering continues from late May or June to September. The clump expands slowly by short rhizomes, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year, and the cultivar sets little or no seed. Plants are hardy in USDA zones 3–9 and tolerate heat, humidity, and dry soil once established. Clumps decline in wet, poorly drained soil, and the center opens up after 3–4 years.
Native Range
Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' is a garden cultivar of the threadleaf type of Coreopsis developed in the United States. The genus Coreopsis is native to North and Central America, and threadleaf types derive from species of the eastern and southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Used in borders, along paths, and in rock gardens, spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Flowers are visited by bees and butterflies. Also grown in containers 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) wide.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowers open from late May or June and continue to September in zones 5–8, with the heaviest bloom in June and July. Each flower head lasts 5–7 days. Cutting back spent stems by one-third in July increases bloom in August and September.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Plants grow in full sun in average to dry, well-drained loam or sandy soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Hardiness covers USDA zones 3–9. Water is applied at 1 inch (25 mm) per week in the first season, and established clumps tolerate dry spells of 3–4 weeks. Spacing of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) allows air movement. Clumps are divided every 3–4 years in spring when the center thins. Plants decline in wet, poorly drained soil, and fertile soil produces floppy stems.Pruning
Spent stems are cut back by one-third in midsummer to encourage rebloom. Foliage is cut to 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in late fall or early spring. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
Prune: March, July & November
summerfallearly spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicRelated Coreopsis species
Moonbeam coreopsis, tickseedCoreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'
Limerock ruby coreopsisCoreopsis 'Limerock Ruby'
Tall coreopsisCoreopsis tripteris
Large-flowered tickseedCoreopsis verticillata 'Grandiflora'
Zagreb coreopsisCoreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'
Early sunrise coreopsisCoreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'