Coreopsis Desert Coral

The Coreopsis 'Desert Coral' is a new variety of hardy coreopsis still relatively rare. It stands out for its compact habit and long flowering period in shades of peach, salmon, and red. From summer to the first frosts, a multitude of flowers gradually take on purplish hues, starting from the heart, which is also red, on a dark green and well-groomed plant. In autumn, they will be almost entirely red and beautifully speckled with orange, while softer shades prevail in summer. Plant it in well-exposed borders, not too-dry rockeries, natural garden areas... or in a pot on the terrace.

Coreopsis belongs to the Asteraceae family. 'Desert Coral' is part of a recently developed series of hybrids in the United States called 'Hardy Jewell'. It combines varieties selected for their cold resistance, long flowering period, and vigour. All these qualities are present in 'Desert Coral'. This rhizomatous perennial quickly forms a small bushy clump measuring 30 cm (12in) in all directions. The flowering period runs from late June to October, almost without interruption. The 4 cm (2in) diameter flower heads open in a peach tone and gradually darken to a salmon pink to orange, while a red area appears in the centre, which may extend more or less towards the periphery of the flowers. A disc of red fertile florets occupies the centre of the flower head. As the temperature drops, at the end of the season, the flowers take on a dark red hue. They are borne on short, upright stems. This plant has opposite, lanceolate, finely divided leaves measuring 4 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in length and dark green.

Coreopsis 'Desert Coral' is a hardy and robust perennial with multiple uses. Plant it in a rockery, on a countryside-like slope with wallflowers, Damask violets, echinaceas, small grasses (Stipa, Carex, Eragrostis), and wild flax, in an herbaceous border alongside Teucrium chamaedrys or x lucidrys, cosmos, and annual cornflowers. In a pot or container, this plant blooms continuously from the first year. For a beautiful summer display, it can be paired with Echinacea purpurea Catharina, Calamintha glandulosa, and Nepeta 'Dawn to dusk' in the ground or a large pot with a bit of water. It makes a beautiful flower for summer bouquets.