Coreopsis Creme Brulee
USPP #16096, COPF
"Tickseed"

View larger, close-up image
 
Click thumbnail image to view larger, close-up image
 

BENEFITS
Coreopsis 'Creme Brulee' is the latest development in "Threadleaf Coreopsis", so called because of its fine, narrow foliage. 'Creme Brulee' upgrades 'Moonbeam', the standard by which all other Threadleaf types are judged, with larger, deeper yellow flowers and greater vigor. Flowers have attractive serrated petals. Foliage is brighter green and demonstrates better resistance to powdery mildew.

Flowers appear not just above the canopy, as in 'Moonbeam', but also farther down the stems, among the lacy leaves, for a fuller appearance.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
'Creme Brulee' flowers all summer and into fall, from late June into October in Zone 6, on neatly mounded, robust plants. A moderate-to-hard cutback late in summer will rejuvenate the plant and cause it to resume flowering.

LOCATION
Full sun. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. AHS Heat Zones 12 to 1. See our Growing Zones page to reference growing zones in your area.

SIZE
20 inches tall by 35 inches wide. Plant one or two plants per square yard.

CULTURE
They don't get much easier than this. 'Creme Brulee' is remarkably self-sufficient, thriving in most well-drained soils in full sun. In late summer, a moderate to hard cutback will promote re-flowering into early fall, and also helps promote basal branching. Also see our General Planting Tips for more information.

Family and Friends
History and Companion Plants

Coreopsis is surely among the most versatile plants in cultivation. The predominant flower color of the genus is yellow or gold, but various types bloom in a range from white to pink to deep red. The common name comes from the small dark hooked seed which resembles, to some eyes, a tiny black insect. Coreopsis 'Creme Brulee' was first discovered in Lois Woodhull's garden on Long Island and comes to Blooms of Bressingham from The Plantage of Cutchogue, N.Y.

'Creme Brulee' is perfectly suited to the front of borders and patio containers. Looks terrific with Ornamental Grasses, especially Pennisetum. Makes a fine companion to other varieties in the genus, such as 'Limerock Ruby' or 'Sweet Dreams', and harmonizes well with perennials such as Eryngium 'Sapphire Blue'. Equally effective are pairings with spike flowers such as Veronica, or Salvia 'Indigo' and 'May Night'. Daisy-type flowers like Leucanthemum 'Snowcap' (Shasta Daisy) make a cheerful combination, and Heuchera 'Bressingham Bronze' serves as a striking accent.