Coreopsis Verticillata Sunstar Rose

The Coreopsis 'Sunstar Rose' is an original variety of coreopsis with a compact habit and radiant flowering. From summer until the first frost, its globally bicoloured blooms flower one after another, with shades of red and deep pink contrasting with a pink to white border. Each flower gently changes colour on this plant, which forms a small bushy shrub adorned with light foliage. This variety brings a cheerful touch to well-exposed borders, not too dry rockeries, natural areas of the garden or in a pot on the patio.

Coreopsis belongs to the Asteraceae family. 'Sunstar Rose' is a recent horticultural hybrid, which has the genes of Coreopsis verticillata, native to North America and even Canada. This short-lived perennial has a rhizomatous base and quickly forms a bushy and slightly tangled tuft reaching about 35 cm (14in) in height and 30 cm (12in) in spread, or even more. Flowering takes place from late June until September-October, almost without interruption. The flowers, in 4 cm (2in) head-like flowers, open in a tone of almost red with a pink border, then gradually fade into magenta pink with a white border, around a small amber-yellow centre. They are carried on short upright stems. This plant develops opposite, lanceolate, finely divided leaves measuring 4 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in length, with a bright green colour and a very airy appearance. The vegetation disappears in winter and reappears in spring.

The 'Sunstar Rose' Coreopsis is a hardy and robust perennial with multiple uses. Plant it in a rockery, on a rustic slope with wallflowers, love-in-a-mist, blue salvias, and wild flax. In a herbaceous border, give it companions such as Germander teucrium or Teucrium x lucidum, cosmos, and annual cornflowers. In a pot or container, this plant blooms continuously from the first year, as long as it is watered. For a beautiful summer display it can be paired with Feather grass (Stipa tenuifolia), Calamint (Calamintha glandulosa), and Nepeta 'Dawn to Dusk' in the ground or in a large pot, with a little water. Lastly, it is a pretty flower for summer bouquets.