Big Bang™ Cosmic Eye Coreopsis

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This variety thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate light afternoon shade, the stems may become floppy and the flower count will drop significantly without maximum sun exposure.
• Soil: It prefers well drained soil that is not overly rich. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised bed or "mound" the soil to ensure water doesn't sit around the crown, which can lead to winter rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply twice a week to help the roots establish deep into the soil. Once the plant is mature, it is quite drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during long dry spells. Inconsistent watering or overly wet feet can lead to powdery mildew and smaller, less vibrant "eyes" in the center of the blooms.

Pruning Tips

This Coreopsis blooms on new wood, so it benefits from a "haircut" throughout the season. Use garden shears to deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to produce a continuous flush of new flowers rather than setting seed. In early spring, cut the entire plant back to about 3 inches above the ground to make room for fresh, vigorous growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender green growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, making the plant vulnerable to winter damage.