COREOPSIS. The Americas, Africa. Tough, vigorous daisies with bright, cheery flowers of yellow to red. They vary considerably in size, form, and foliage. Mostly winter deciduous. Sun, reasonably well drained soil, moderate to occasional watering when established. Hardy to 0oF. or below except as noted.
grandiflora. This is a pleasant enough perennial, though it reminds me of some of the bedding marigolds. It grows 1-3’ tall, with many leafy stems from the base. The leaves are up to 4" long, simple or divided (especially above) and usually bright green in color. Held above the foliage on individual stalks are showy yellow flower heads, up to 2" broad. They have a single row of 8 rays in the wild forms, but most of the modern seed strains have pompom-like heads. ‘Early Sunrise’ features compact, floriferous 18" plants and semidouble gold flower heads. There are many other strains.
maritima. A robust native of California’s southern coast, growing up to 3’ tall. It has leafy stems with very large, narrowly dissected, bright green leaves. Brilliant yellow flower heads, up to 4" across, are borne well above the foliage on long stalks. A good plant to show off on banks. Hardiness is uncertain; probably 20oF or less.
verticillata. Threadleaf coreopsis. An erect, bushy perennial up to 2’ (sometimes more) tall. Its finely divided, bright green leaves form a lacy backdrop for showers of brilliant yellow (in our typical selection) daisies in summer and early fall. ‘Moonbeam’ is distinguished by more spreading growth, dark, purple tinged stems and leaves, and lovely pale yellow blossoms.