Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’

Description

Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ is a hardy and vibrant perennial, perfect for brightening up any garden with its daisy-like cream-yellow flowers. Follow this planting and care guide to ensure your Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ thrives beautifully year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant your Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ in spring when the soil begins to warm up. This allows the roots to become established before the blooming season, ensuring healthy growth.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle into its new location before entering dormancy, which supports strong growth in the next spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ thrives in full sun. Ensure the planting site receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flowering performance.
• Soil: Choose well-drained soil for Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’. This perennial does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ and the same depth. This allows the roots to spread out comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance fertility and drainage. Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ benefits from nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
3. Planting: Place the Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water your Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and help establish the roots. Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Coreopsis is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during the dormant season. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ requires minimal moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong growth and vibrant blooms. This supports the new season’s growth and ensures your plant gets the nutrients it needs.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain vigour and encourage continued flowering throughout the season. Avoid overfeeding, as this can cause excessive foliage growth rather than blooms.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ by removing spent flowers. This helps to prolong the blooming period, keeps the plant looking tidy, and promotes additional blooms.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers fade in autumn, cut back your Coreopsis to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and promotes healthier growth in the coming year.

Mulching Around the Plant

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around your Coreopsis in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips or compost work best.
• Winter: In winter, add mulch to protect the roots of Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ from extreme cold temperatures and prevent frost heaving.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ typically has a compact growth habit and does not require staking. However, in particularly windy locations, consider providing support to prevent damage to the plant.

Final Tips

Coreopsis ‘Buttermilk’ is a low-maintenance perennial that will add a cheerful splash of colour to your garden with its cream-yellow daisy-like flowers. By planting it in full sun with well-drained soil, and following this care routine, your Coreopsis will reward you with vibrant blooms from July to September.

RHS Details

See more Coreopsis from Proctors