1. Giant Coreopsis – Coreopsis gigantea
(cor-ee-OP-sis ji-GAN-tee-uh )
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Endemic to coast of central CA to Baja, including all 8 Channel Islands and 4 mainland
areas; on sea cliffs and sand dunes (sands and loamy sands).
perennial sub-shrub
mature height: 2-4+ ft.
mature width: 2-3 ft.
Unusual sub-shrub with succulent stem. Drought-deciduous – looks dead in summer – but rather
sculptural shape. Foliage is lacy, bright to medium green. Very attractive against yellow flowers.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring – but may be as early as late winter or as late as May. Flowers
are typical yellow-gold sunflower heads (like other Coreopsis species). Flowers held on slender
stalks above foliage. Extremely showy in bloom.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Usually used in Channel Island themed gardens, but appropriate for coastal
gardens as well. Makes a nice accent plant – very unusual looking and succulent. Can be grown in
a large pot or container. Flowers make good cut flowers. Looks nice combined with native grasses
and wildflowers. Orange dye from flowers/stems.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sunflowers.
Good bird habitat plant: provides seeds for food.
attracts a range of insect pollinators, including native bees.
Attracts:
Like any sunflower, this species
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Any well-drained soil, but sandy is best. Any local pH.
Very drought tolerant, but like to be misted once a week until leaves drop.
Zone 1-2.
Not needed, but probably fine with light fertilizer.
Tolerates maritime conditions.
Treat as
Needs almost no management. Spent flowers can be cut off to tidy – also dead
leaves in fall. Other than that, just leave it to take its own shape. Don’t over-water. Protect young
plants from slugs, snails, rabbits, gophers, ground squirrels.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy
by cuttings: basal shoots with some root, in May-June
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16
2/24/10
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