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Coreopsis ( Will not overwinter)

15 years ago

I have Coreopsis plants that will not survive the winter.I have 1 or 2 that do survive, but they look very weak and unhealthy after the weather warms. I do cut them back in the fall with the rest of my plants, but these seem to fail every year. I do however have good luck with plants I buy in the spring from the nursery and bloom strong throughout the year. But then again are dead the following spring! I feel that the soil, moisture, and conditions are right because they bloom well the rest of the season.

Why do they not overwinter! Any suggestions on what might may be?

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Comments (11)

mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
15 years ago
Two possibilities. First, there has been a lot of discussion over the years about just how perennial certain coreopsis really are. There are both annual and perennial species, they hybridize fairly easily, and until a variety has been around for a while, its real tendencies may not be known.

If, OTOH, these are proven reliable varieties like Moonbeam, I'd stop cutting them back in the fall.
highalttransplant
15 years ago
If they are planted in an area that stays wet throughout the winter, they are probably dying from root rot.

Bonnie
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I was looking at pots of 'Mercury Rising' (dark red) yesterday and wondering if it would survive. Does anyone in zone 5 have feedback on this one? One of the ones with colors that vary with the temperature, perhaps 'Red Shift' hasn't outright died in the last three years, but it always takes a long time to come back and doesn't look like much until well into July. I can never be sure about plants in this bed, however, if their issues are vole related or lack of hardiness since it's the bed that has the worst vole issues. I have done fine with some of the older thread-leafed varieties like rosea, Zagreb and Moonbeam. I also have found that 'Golden Gain' a taller, larger flowered thread-leaf has done well for 3 growing seasons, so I think it is a keeper. And of course the older C. lanceolata types do well here also.
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echinaceamaniac
15 years ago
I agree with Bonnie. It's too wet.
coolplantsguy
15 years ago
Yes, most of the standard varieties should survive the winter in Lower Michigan. Some of the "newer" forms that involve C. rosea ('Sweet Dreams', 'Heaven's Gate', etc.) are likely less hardy, as well as most of the even newer forms such as 'Autumn Blush', 'Red Shift', etc.

As mentioned, your issue is likely winter wetness.

Has anyone else experienced even good ol' 'Moonbeam' getting tired-looking (less vigorous/profuse) after only 2-3 years? I'm beginning to wonder if most/all the genus is generally short-lived. Certainly the C. grandiflora types are, although they self-sow readily.
spazzycat_1
15 years ago
Coolplantsguy, Yes, in my zone, C. 'Moonbeam' deteriorates after a few years. It's recommended that you divide it every 2-3 years to maintain its vigor.
diggerdee zone 6 CT
15 years ago
My Moonbeam also faded out on me. I kept wondering why I seemed to be the only person in the world who couldn't grow this "easy" perennial. Now I don't feel so bad, lol.

It was in a bed with vole problems, but I don't think it was the voles. Usually with voles, the whole plant up and dies because the darn critters eat the roots. This Moonbeam just got less vigorous over about three years until last year I had one little stem of it.

:)
Dee
triciami5
15 years ago
I planted two or three different ones about five years ago. One of them came back every year they were like a weed, I was pulling some out in the Spring they were so plentiful, gave some to my neighbor (She wanted them) and she cussed them out after awhile, I told her they were like a weed. Finally this last Spring they must have given up because I didnt see any. Promised myself never again. Must be a certain variety. Anyway thats my experience with them. Good luck!!! Tricia
token28001
15 years ago
My moonbeam didn't make it through the summer. The Full Moon, on the other hand, is still nice and green at the base and threw out lots of seeds that seem to have already sprouted with our warm weather last month.
nancyd
15 years ago
The only variety I've had true success with for years is Zagreb. VERY strong and healthy plant and transplants easily when divided. The less fussing you give it, the better. Moonbeam does better for me if I don't cut it back in the fall. Zagreb doesn't care one way or the other.
grinder12000
15 years ago
I have Zagreb and Threadleaf Coreopsis that come back every year. Planted in heavy wet clay but they are very hardy and beautiful.
coylemoto
6 years ago
This is what is says on a very reputable website 'Divide coreopsis and its cultivars every two or three years, otherwise you risk losing them in winter.'

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