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Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'
Moonbeam coreopsis, tickseed
Eastern United States (parent species; cultivar of garden origin)Learn more
Key Features
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow
Overview
A clump-forming perennial cultivar of Coreopsis verticillata (threadleaf coreopsis), reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). Stems are wiry and branching, clothed in very fine, thread-like leaves arranged in whorls of 3, giving the foliage a delicate, fern-like texture. 'Moonbeam' produces flower heads 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across with pale, soft yellow ray florets — distinctly lighter than the golden yellow of the species — surrounding small yellow disc florets. Bloom is prolific and continuous from June through September with deadheading or shearing. The pale yellow flower color is the primary characteristic distinguishing 'Moonbeam' from other C. verticillata cultivars such as 'Zagreb' (golden yellow) and 'Grandiflora' (deep gold). Plants spread by short rhizomes, forming gradually widening clumps. Performs better in lean soils; rich soils cause floppy stems and reduced flower production. Hardy to zone 3.
Native Range
Coreopsis verticillata (the parent species) is native to the eastern United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Arkansas, growing in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and dry, sandy soils. 'Moonbeam' is a cultivar of garden origin selected for its pale yellow flower color.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in perennial borders at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing as a mid-border plant. The fine foliage texture contrasts with bold-leaved neighbors. Tolerates hot, dry sites. Grows in containers of 3 gallons (11 L) or larger; may require more frequent watering in containers than in the ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Blooms June through September in zones 3–9. Peak bloom occurs July–August. With midsummer shearing, plants typically rebloom within 3–4 weeks and continue through early October in zones 5–7. In zones 8–9, bloom may begin in May and slow during peak summer heat before resuming in fall.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
medium green, thread-likeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 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 well-drained soil of average to low fertility; rich soils produce lush foliage but fewer flowers and floppy stems. Established plants are drought-tolerant and require little supplemental water in most climates. Deadhead spent flowers regularly, or shear the entire plant back by one-third in midsummer (approximately late July) to stimulate a strong second flush of bloom. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring when flowering decreases or the clump spreads beyond its allotted space. Plants are generally pest- and disease-free in well-drained conditions.Pruning
Shear back by one-third in midsummer after the first flush peaks to encourage reblooming; new growth and flowers appear within 3–4 weeks. Deadheading individual spent stems during the blooming season also extends bloom. Cut all growth to ground level in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges. Divide in early spring every 3–4 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons