Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’

Description

Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ is a bushy perennial that stands out with its fiery red and gold flowers, resembling the eyes of a tiger. This stunning plant is perfect for brightening up sunny borders, patios, or gardens. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ thrives in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

The ideal time to plant Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ is in the spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the plant’s roots to establish early in the season, ensuring a strong and healthy growth cycle. You can also plant it in early autumn, allowing the plant to settle before the dormant period, promoting better growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ thrives in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. This will help promote vibrant flowers and strong foliage. The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. To ensure proper drainage, consider mixing organic matter like compost into the soil.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’. This provides ample space for the roots to spread out.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost or other organic material to improve fertility and drainage. Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ benefits from well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, which promotes robust growth and vibrant flowers.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

Once established, Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ is moderately drought-tolerant. During the growing season, water during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root issues. In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as the plant requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

Feed your Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy new growth. A light feeding in mid-summer will also help maintain the plant’s vigour and promote continuous flowering. However, be careful not to over-fertilise, as this may encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

To keep your Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ looking its best, regularly deadhead spent flowers. This will prolong the blooming period and encourage new flower production. In autumn, after the last flowers have faded, cut the plant back to ground level. This will prepare it for winter dormancy and ensure healthier growth the following season.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of your Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ in spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost are ideal for this purpose. In winter, add a layer of mulch to protect the roots from the cold and prevent frost heaving, helping the plant survive the winter months.

Supporting the Plant

Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ typically has a bushy growth habit and sturdy stems, so staking is usually unnecessary. However, in areas with high winds, you may want to provide some support to protect the plant from damage.

Final Tips

Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds vibrant colour to your garden with its fiery red and gold flowers. By planting it in full sun, ensuring well-drained soil, and following the care instructions in this guide, your Coreopsis ‘Bengal Tiger’ will reward you with continuous blooms from June to September. Incorporate this stunning beauty into your garden for a striking, tiger-eye effect that will last throughout the growing season!

RHS Details

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