Overview
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as the Coastal Plain tickseed or the Savannah tickseed, and is native to the southeastern United States.
Appearance
The Coastal Plain tickseed is a herbaceous perennial which typically grows from 1 to 3 feet in height. The leaves are linear or lance-shaped, and are 1 to 4 inches long and 1/16 to 1/2 inch wide. The flowers are single, yellow, and daisy-like, with a diameter of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. The blooms appear from late spring to early summer and attract butterflies and bees.
Uses
The Coastal Plain tickseed is commonly used in butterfly gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It is also a popular ornamental plant in the horticultural trade, and can be used in mass plantings or as a border plant. Additionally, it is an important nectar plant for native bees and other pollinators.
Light Conditions:
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will result in reduced blooms and weaker stems.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to the southeastern United States and prefers warm temperatures. It can tolerate some cold, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant and reduce its growth and blooming potential. The ideal temperature range for Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Soil Conditions:
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. thrives in well-drained soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH ranging between 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, but not too heavy in organic matter as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq., commonly known as tickseed, is a native wildflower that is easy to grow and maintain. It can grow in full sun to partial shade, and it prefers well-draining soil that is not too wet. It is advisable to plant it in the spring season, after the last frost date in your region.
Watering Needs
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. has moderate water requirements; therefore, it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. You can achieve this by watering the plant at least once a week or more frequently, depending on the weather conditions and soil type.
Fertilization
This plant does not require much fertilization; however, you can add compost or organic fertilizers to the soil before planting. If you notice that your plant is not growing well or has yellow leaves, you can apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. requires minimal maintenance, making it an easy addition to any garden or landscape. You can deadhead the spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers and maintain its neat appearance. If you would like to reduce the plant's size or encourage bushier growth, you can lightly trim the stems back by one-third in midsummer.
Propagation of Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq.
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. The plant is commonly known as the prairie tickseed and belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant is relatively easy to propagate and can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Coreopsis gladiata is by seeds. The seeds should be planted in the spring or fall in well-drained soil. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, and the seeds should be planted approximately ¼ inch deep. The seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days, and the seedlings should be thinned out to their desired spacing once they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by Cuttings
Coreopsis gladiata can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The stems should be cut in the late summer or early fall when the plant is at its peak vigor. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long and should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist, and they will generally root within 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by Division
The third method of propagating Coreopsis gladiata is by division. The plant should be divided in the early spring before new growth appears. The plant should be lifted and then carefully divided into several clumps, ensuring that each clump has a good portion of roots. The clumps should be replanted in a well-drained soil and should be kept moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq.
Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. is a beautiful perennial plant that is known for its bright yellow flowers, but it is susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Some common diseases that can affect Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. are:
- Crown Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, and it affects the crown and roots of the plant. The symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and avoid planting in poorly-drained soil.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora coreopsidis, and it appears as circular spots on the leaves. The spots may have a yellow or brown halo around them. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum, and it appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, use a fungicide, spray leaves with a mixture of baking soda and water, and avoid overcrowding plants.
Common Pests
Some common pests that can affect Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq. are:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and stunting of the leaves. To manage this pest, use beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, spray leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap, and avoid over-fertilizing.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of leaves and can cause yellowing, mottling, and wilting of the leaves. To manage this pest, use a miticide, spray leaves with water, and avoid overcrowding plants.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects feed on the flowers and buds of the plant and can cause them to become distorted and discolored. To manage this pest, use sticky traps, spray leaves with water, and avoid over-fertilizing.
Overall, maintaining good plant hygiene and avoiding stress factors such as over-watering or over-fertilization can help prevent and manage diseases and pests in Coreopsis gladiata Walt. var. linifolia (Nutt.) Cronq.
