Skip to main content
Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Zagreb Coreopsis)
1 / 5
Tortie tude, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons

Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'

Zagreb Coreopsis

Eastern North America; cultivar collected Zagreb, Croatia

Learn more

At a Glance

FoliageDeciduous
Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' is a compact, mounding, herbaceous perennial reaching 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). The plant produces daisy-like flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across with bright golden-yellow ray florets and yellow disc centers from June through September. This is the most compact of the commonly grown C. verticillata selections—approximately two-thirds the height of 'Grandiflora.' Leaves are deeply divided into thread-like segments, medium green. The plant spreads by underground rhizomes but less aggressively than taller selections. Growth rate is moderate. Long-lived and reliable. Named after Zagreb, Croatia, where it was collected. Deadheading extends bloom; without it, flowering diminishes by late August. The compact size makes this more manageable in small gardens than 'Grandiflora.'

Native Range

Coreopsis verticillata is native to eastern North America, from Maryland to Florida and west to Arkansas. 'Zagreb' was collected from a wild population in Croatia—the species also occurs in southeastern Europe as an introduction or possible disjunct population.

Suggested Uses

Planted in borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. The compact size suits front-of-border positions and edging. Grows in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L). Functions in mass plantings as ground cover. The smaller scale fits residential gardens. Pair with blue salvias, purple coneflowers, and ornamental grasses.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Grandiflora' by the shorter stature (12–18 inches / 30–45 cm versus 18–24 inches / 45–60 cm) and the slightly smaller flowers. Distinguished from 'Limerock Ruby' by the golden-yellow (versus ruby-red) flower color. Distinguished from 'Moonbeam' (not in this collection) by the deeper golden-yellow (versus pale lemon-yellow) flower color. The compact mound of golden-yellow daisies on thread-like foliage at 12–18 inches is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~13 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Daisy-like, bright golden-yellow flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across appear from June through September. Bloom duration with regular deadheading is 12–14 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Medium green, deeply divided thread-like

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in average to poor, well-drained soil. Lean soil promotes compact growth. Drought-tolerant once established. Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom. Cut back by half in mid-July if bloom slows. Less aggressive rhizome spread than 'Grandiflora' but may still colonize in moist soil. Divide every 3–4 years. No serious pest or disease problems.

Pruning

Deadhead regularly throughout bloom season. Cut back by half in mid-July if flowering slows. Cut to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic