Coreopsis

Coreopsis, the state wildflower of Mississippi, is getting some well-deserved attention at the MSU South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, MS, where several varieties are being evaluated in their trial gardens. Let’s take a look at some of my favorites! Grandiflora SunKiss coreopsis is a compact, vibrant perennial that delivers a cheerful burst of golden yellow to the garden. Its large, daisy-like blooms—some of the biggest among the grandiflora types—feature bright yellow petals with a bold, dark red eye at the center. The deep green, lance-shaped foliage forms a neat, rounded mound, adding to its tidy appearance. Another impressive variety is Grandiflora ‘Double the Sun’ coreopsis, known for its abundance of fully double, golden-yellow flowers. These blooms resemble miniature marigolds or pom-poms, providing bright color and rich texture to flower beds, borders, and containers. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces. Uptick Gold & Bronze coreopsis rounds out the group with its extended bloom season and striking bicolor flowers. This easy-care perennial forms a tidy mound and produces daisy-like blooms with golden-yellow petals and a warm bronze-red center that gradually fades outward. It’s a standout in any sunny garden, with colors that seem to glow in the landscape. Each of these coreopsis varieties brings something unique to the garden, and all are sure to brighten up any space. I’m Eddie Smith, and I look forward to seeing you next time on Southern Gardening!