Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'

Among Coreopsis verticillata, 'Moonbeam' is a real standout. Its pale yellow flowers are borne in great abundance above delicate, needlelike foliage and seem to blend well with practically every color we've tried. Flowers heavily from June through August, with repeat bloom till frost. 'Moonbeam' is one of those rare plants that can't be used badly. It makes a superb front-of-the-border plant but can also provide summer color in the rock garden or light up a foundation planting that is in danger of provoking yawns among passers-by. Superb with the blue racemes of Adenophora. It's one of the great perennials.

A genus of Daisy-like plants, Coreopsis is excellent for the border. Most species are native to the southeastern United States and Mexico. They are not the least fussy about soil but require full sun. Cut stems back after the first flush of flowers fade to promote a repeat bloom.

For more information on the growing and care of Coreopsis, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: ko-ree-op'sis

Merry daisies in shades of yellow and pink have made Coreopsis mainstays of the summer border. Newer colors include white with burgundy and salmon. Masses of flowers are produced for long periods, especially if plants are consistently deadheaded. These drought-tolerant perennials offer up cheerful blooms excellent for cutting and are of easy culture. There are varieties suitable for the front, middle, and back of the border, and as native Americans, they are right at home in wildflower gardens and meadows.

Light/Watering: Full sun brings out the best in Coreopsis, especially in well-drained soils. Water during drought, but Coreopsis is quite drought-tolerant once established.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Coreopsis is not fussy about soil, and will bloom exuberantly under a variety of conditions. Well-drained soils are best, especially in winter. Coreopsis rosea prefers an evenly moist soil (in which it may run a bit wild), although it is not a requirement. Fertilize lightly once in spring with a balanced granular formula; too much fertilizer will result in spindly growth.

Pests/Diseases: Healthy, vigorous plants under good culture are rarely bothered by insects; wash off light infestations of aphids with a forceful water spray. Diseases are also rare, especially in well-drained soils. If soils are too wet, the crowns may rot.

Companions: Butterfly delphinium (Delphinium grandiflorum) or other short Delphiniums are natural complements to yellow Coreopsis. Alliums, Daylilies, and Coneflowers are also lovely in combination with these bright daisies.

Reflowering: Daily deadheading, while onerous, will reward the gardener with almost continuous bloom. To achieve an attractive plant and possible rebloom in autumn, shear plants back by a few inches as flowering slows down in late July.

Dividing/Transplanting: Divide plants every three years in spring or early fall to maintain vigor. Please note that Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' will arrive as a tangle of roots and stems that defies attempts to distinguish top from bottom. Simply dig a wide, shallow hole and set the spidery thing inside horizontally, covering with an inch of soil. Gravity will prevail, and the plant will send roots down and shoots up.

End-of-Season Care: Do not prune back all the way for the winter, as stems left standing will protect the crowns. 'Moonbeam' will benefit from a mulch of salt hay or evergreen boughs.

Calendar of Care

Early Spring: Apply a light application of granular 10-10-10 fertilizer or side-dress with compost and organic amendments when new growth appears. Water newly planted Coreopsis regularly if spring rains are sporadic. Divide or transplant now if desired.

Summer: Deadhead daily for prolonged bloom. Shear plants back by ¼ to ½ to encourage more attractive form and possible reblooming in autumn.

Fall: Plants may be divided or transplanted now if needed. Do not prune all the way back—leave stems at 6–8″ to protect crowns through winter. Mulch 'Moonbeam' with salt hay or evergreen boughs.

SHOP ALL COREOPSIS

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].