Coreopsis ‘Sunfire’

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' is a compact tickseed cultivar with golden-yellow flowers marked by deep burgundy-red blotches near the bases of the petals. It is grown as a flowering perennial or bedding plant and is suited to sunny borders, containers, and mass plantings.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' grows best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. More light generally supports sturdier growth and heavier flowering.

Water Coreopsis 'Sunfire' moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Give it extra water during prolonged heat or drought, but avoid constantly wet soil, which can damage the roots.

Plant Coreopsis 'Sunfire' in average, well-drained loam or sandy soil. It tolerates a broad range of soil pH and usually performs better in lean soil than in heavily enriched soil.

Yes, Coreopsis 'Sunfire' is generally easy to grow when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. The main challenges are overwatering, poor air circulation, and reduced winter survival in wet conditions.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' may survive in partial shade, but it flowers and develops most reliably in full sun. Shade can produce weaker, leggier growth and fewer blooms.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' commonly reaches about 16 to 24 inches tall and 10 to 12 inches wide, although mature size varies with climate, soil, and growing conditions. Plants may become taller in lower light or very rich soil.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' is commonly listed for USDA Zones 4 through 8. Its survival can still vary by local winter exposure, especially where soil remains cold and saturated.

Yes, Coreopsis 'Sunfire' grows well in containers with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Container plants dry out faster than plants in the ground, so check moisture more frequently during hot weather.

Established Coreopsis 'Sunfire' has useful drought tolerance, but it performs best with moderate water during extended dry periods. Newly planted specimens need consistent watering until their roots are established.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' can provide nectar and pollen for visiting bees and other flower-visiting insects. Its open daisy-like blooms are most useful to pollinators when allowed to flower freely rather than being removed immediately.

Yes, removing faded flowers from Coreopsis 'Sunfire' can encourage additional buds and keep the plant looking tidy. Deadhead regularly during the blooming season, or leave some spent heads for seed and wildlife interest.

Insufficient sunlight, excessive nitrogen, overwatering, or immature growth can reduce blooming in Coreopsis 'Sunfire'. Move container plants to brighter light, avoid heavy fertilization, and keep the soil well drained.

Yellowing foliage on Coreopsis 'Sunfire' is often associated with excess moisture, poor drainage, root stress, or natural aging of lower leaves. Check the soil before watering and improve drainage if it stays wet.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' can become floppy when it receives too little light, grows in overly rich soil, or is exposed to excessive moisture. Full sun, restrained fertilization, and light trimming can help maintain a more compact habit.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' may be affected by aphids, thrips, leafminers, plant bugs, beetles, or other common garden pests. Inspect new growth and undersides of leaves regularly, and use the least-disruptive treatment needed.

Possible problems include powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust, Botrytis, root rots, and aster yellows. Good air circulation, careful watering, adequate spacing, and removal of severely diseased foliage reduce disease pressure.

Plant Coreopsis 'Sunfire' in spring after the local danger of hard frost has passed, or in early fall where plants have time to establish before winter. In warm regions, avoid planting during the most intense summer heat.

Space Coreopsis 'Sunfire' about 10 to 12 inches apart for a relatively full planting, allowing additional room where better air circulation is important. Follow the mature width on the plant label when available.

Set Coreopsis 'Sunfire' at the same depth it was growing in its container, with the crown level with the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the root zone moderately moist while the plant establishes.

Yes, Coreopsis 'Sunfire' tolerates relatively poor soil as long as it drains well. Avoid heavily amending the planting hole with rich material or fertilizer, because excessive fertility can favor foliage over flowers.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' usually needs little fertilizer in average soil. If growth is weak, apply a light, balanced spring fertilizer or a small amount of compost, but avoid high-nitrogen feeding.

Yes, Coreopsis 'Sunfire' can be propagated from seed, and seed-grown plants are commonly produced commercially. Because cultivar traits may vary in some seed lines, plants may not always be perfectly identical to the parent.

Yes, Coreopsis selections such as 'Sunfire' can be propagated from suitable vegetative cuttings. Take healthy nonflowering shoots during active growth and root them in a clean, well-drained propagation medium.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' may be divided when it has formed a substantial clump, preferably in spring or early fall. Division is less commonly used than seed or cuttings, and small or weak plants may not divide successfully.

You can cut Coreopsis 'Sunfire' back after flowering or leave the dried stems through winter for structure and seed-eating wildlife. In areas with wet winters, removing congested growth can improve airflow, but avoid keeping the crown constantly wet.

Pinching young Coreopsis 'Sunfire' plants can encourage branching and a fuller shape, although established garden plants usually need little shaping. Stop pinching once flower buds begin forming if early bloom is important.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' is not listed as toxic in the supplied plant-safety context. Even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if eaten, so contact a veterinarian or poison-control service if a pet consumes a large amount or develops symptoms.

Coreopsis is often considered relatively deer resistant, and deer commonly browse it less than more palatable ornamentals. No plant is completely deer proof, especially when deer pressure is high or food is scarce.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' produces bright golden-yellow flowers with deep red to burgundy markings near the flower centers. The contrasting bicolor pattern is most vivid when plants receive strong sunlight.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' is an early-flowering selection that can bloom from late spring into summer, with timing varying by climate and planting date. Deadheading may help extend the display.

Coreopsis 'Sunfire' can bloom in its first growing season when planted as an established nursery plant or started early under suitable conditions. Plants grown from seed later in the season may focus first on root and foliage development.

Yes, lightly shearing Coreopsis 'Sunfire' after an initial flush of flowers can encourage a fresh round of growth and blooming. Do not remove more than necessary, and provide adequate water while the plant regrows.