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Coreopsis Mercury Rising

Coreopsis Mercury Rising
Tickseed

4,0/5
4 reviews
2 reviews
1 reviews
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1 reviews

The plant arrived in a poor condition. Once planted, it did not recover.

elisabeth S, 10/09/2023

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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This coreopsis is a beautiful novelty. First, because of its habit, a spreading cushion, superb in borders as well as in containers. Then, for its never-ending flowering of dark and velvety red with a heart of gold that flowers repeatedly from summer to autumn, on a bright green foliage. It is also a hardy variety and resistant to diseases. Give it sunlight and well-drained soil, not too dry.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
40 cm
Spread at maturity
75 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, September
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November
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Flowering time June to September
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Description

The Coreopsis 'Mercury Rising' is a new variety of coreopsis, remarkable in many ways: this perennial plant forms a large spreading cushion of bright green foliage that is continuously covered in dark red velvety flowers with a small golden yellow centre from summer to autumn. In addition to the visual pleasure provided by this extremely rich-coloured flowering, it also has excellent hardiness, which is relatively rare among coreopsis. Its interlacing growth with neighbouring plants, its undemanding nature, and its love for the sun make it suitable for well-exposed borders. It is also an outstanding perennial for container gardens and an excellent cut flower.

 

Coreopsis belongs to the Asteraceae family. 'Mercury Rising' is the latest discovery in a series of hybrids developed in the United States. This series, named 'Big Bang,' gathers varieties such as 'Cosmic Evolution' and 'Galaxy,' initially selected for their cold resistance, vibrant colours, and vigour. All these qualities are present in 'Mercury Rising,' which surprised its creators with its unusual habit: this rhizomatous perennial forms a mound that reaches an average height of 40 cm (16in) and an average spread of 75 cm (30in). The flowering period extends from late June to October, with flowers continuously appearing on the plant. The 3 cm (1in) diameter flower heads, with their sun-resistant and unalterable velvety burgundy red colour, feature a small bright yellow centre. Towards the end of the season, when the temperature drops, the petals develop white or cream streaks, giving the flowering a new dimension resembling frost. The flowers are borne on short erect stems. This plant has opposite, lanceolate, finely divided leaves measuring 4 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in length and displaying a very airy appearance. It slowly spreads through its non-invasive rhizomes, forming a beautiful ground cover.

 

Coreopsis 'Mercury Rising' is a hardy and robust perennial with multiple uses. Plant it in a rock garden, on a rustic slope with wallflowers, Damask wallflowers, echinaceas, and wild flax, or in a 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, whether in the ground or a large pot with a bit of water, it can be paired with Stipa tenuifolia, Calamintha glandulosa, and Nepeta 'Dawn to Dusk'. It also makes a lovely addition to summer bouquets.

Coreopsis Mercury Rising in pictures

Coreopsis Mercury Rising (Flowering) Flowering
Coreopsis Mercury Rising (Foliage) Foliage
Coreopsis Mercury Rising (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time June to September
Inflorescence Flower head
Flower size 3 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 40 cm
Spread at maturity 75 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Coreopsis

Cultivar

Mercury Rising

Family

Asteraceae

Other common names

Tickseed

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

If you want to grow perennial coreopsis, remember it doesn't like winter humidity or heavy soils. However, 'Mercury Rising' is more adaptable and can grow in different soil types. To produce summer flowers, it needs full exposure to sunlight and well-drained, light soil that can retain some moisture. Ideally, the soil should be slightly acidic or alkaline, but it can also be poor if it's porous and gravelly or sandy. If you use humus-bearing soil, it's essential to ensure good drainage. To encourage autumn regrowth, remove faded flowers, especially at the end of August. Pruning in late September will promote the growth of new basal shoots.

Planting period

Best planting time March, September
Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 7 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-drained, light.

Care

Pruning instructions To help your plants bloom longer and save energy, remove faded flowers during the summer. This will encourage more blooms in autumn and prevent the plant from producing seeds.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time August to September
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4/5

Summer flowering perennials

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