The genusslopes(Coreopsis) includes several dozen plant species, including perennials and annual species. The low requirements of these plants and the availability of many interesting varieties make the cultivation of slopes in the garden more and more popular. We advise on how to care for these plants so that they bloom beautifully and for a long time, whatspecies and varieties of slopesare worth planting in garden beds, and what are the best ways to reproduce them.
Slope - Coreopsis
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What does the slope look like?
Slopes belong to the Asteraceae family(Asteraceae) and occur in the wild in North America. In Poland you can most often findlarge-flowered slope(Coreopsis grandiflora),lanceolate slope(Coreopsis lanceolata),whorl slope(Coreopsis verticillata) andbarber slope(Coreopsis tinctoria).
Like other species of the Asteraceae family,slopes are herbaceous, bushy plantsDecorative, single or semi-double flower baskets appear in summer and often persist until frost. Bright, warm yellows and reds enliven every corner of the garden. The newslope varieties delight with the unusual color and shape of the petals , abundant flowering and compact size.
Where to plant slopes?
Slopes are valued bedding plantsideally suited to naturalistic or rustic climates.They look beautiful when planted in larger groups, in the company of perennials with similar requirements, such as: eastern scrub, sea anemone, goldenrod, sunflower, garden delphinium, garden bell, speedway, mossy sage, bristly gailardia or woolly purgatory. For the yellow-blooming slopes, the purple or burgundy-blooming yarrow varieties will also be a good company. The effect of this color combination is clearly visible in the photo below.
Yellow achene (Coreopsis) accompanied by a maroon yarrow (Achillea)
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Tall varieties of slopesare often grown as cut flowers, and dwarf flowers are perfect for rock gardens or as border plants. Compact varieties of slopes will work well in container cultivation, decorating sunny balconies, terraces and yards.
Slope - species and varieties
Among the slopes occurring in garden crops, several species deserve special attention, both due to the multitude of interesting varieties and their use.
Large-flowered slope(Coreopsis grandiflora) - is a short-lived perennial that naturally inhabits dry and sandy areas of North America. Raised shoots up to 80 cm are covered with lanceolate, pinnate leaves. Decorative flower baskets reach 4-6 cm in diameter. Lingual flowers have irregular indentations at the tops. The large-flowered slope will work well when planted in flower beds, but it is most often grown as a cut flower.
Large-flowered slope - Coreopsis grandiflora
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Among garden varieties the most popular is'Sunray'with golden-yellow, full or half-full flower baskets.The advantage of this variety is high frost resistance (it is included in plant frost resistance zone 4, while the species belongs to zone 6). If we are looking for lower, dwarf varieties, it is worth taking an interest inlarge-flowered slope 'Sunrise'with semi-double yellow flowers. This variety grows up to only 50 cm in height and can be grown not only in garden beds but also in terrace containers. However, it requires a thick layer of cover for winter, as its frost resistance is much weaker (zone 7).
Lanceolate slope(Coreopsis lanceolata) - it is a perennial with a compact and bushy habit. It occurs naturally in North America. Delicate shoots, reaching 70 cm in height, are covered with full-edge, lanceolate leaves. Flower baskets 4-6 cm in diameter appear on the tops of shoots in summer. Due to its compact habit, the lanceolate slope is perfect for flowerbeds and as a border.
Lanceolate slope - Coreopsis lanceolata
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Whorl 'Moonbeam' - Coreopsis verticillata
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The variety'Moonbeam'with pale yellow, almost cream-colored flowers is eagerly grown in gardens. This plant grows up to 40 cm in height. If you are looking for even smaller plants, look for'Zagreb'whorl, which grows to only 25-30 cm in height.In addition, it is characterized by high resistance to drought.
Barrier slope(Coreopsis tinctoria) - is an annual plant with single, often two-color flowers appearing in summer and remaining until autumn. It is suitable as a cut flower and is especially attractive when grown in larger clusters.
Barrier slope - Coreopsis tinctoria
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The most interesting varieties of slopesfor amateur garden cultivation are presented in the table below. From this fairly large selection of varieties, each gardener can choose something suitable for his own plot or for planting in pots and containers. Below the table there is a link that allows you to download the list of slope variations in a printable version: -)
Download this table in a printable version:
- Slope - species and varieties (PDF)
Slope - cultivation
Slightly demanding slopesthey can cope with sandy or less fertile soil, but prefer sunny positions, and the permeable and fertile soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Slopes should be planted from the beginning of April to the end of September at a distance of approx. 9 pieces per m²They look best when planted in groups of a dozen of the same variety. We must remember thatslopes grow stronglythanks to extensive runners, so it is worth regularly, every few years, dividing the root ball, at the same time obtaining new seedlings.Plants do not require special care, they are doing well on their own. We fertilize them moderately so as not to weaken flowering. For
fertilization of slopes , multi-component mineral fertilizers can be used, but remember to use compost at least once a year or occasionally water them with vermicompost, which improve the soil structure and plant condition without the risk of over-fertilization.
Slopes tolerate drought wellWe only water them when there is no rainfall for a long time and be careful not to overflow the plants as they do not tolerate flooding the root system.
For the plants to bloom as long as possiblewe remove faded inflorescences on an ongoing basisDue to slack shoots, tall varieties of slopes may require the use of supports.
Slope - wintering
One-year slopes end their lives in autumn. On the other hand,most perennial slopes are frost-resistant enoughto winter in gardens (frost resistance 6A). They usually withstand temperature drops down to -30 ° C. The most frost-resistant slope species, among those listed in this article, is the lanceolate slope, which has been assigned a frost resistance zone of 4.
In late autumn, cut the above-ground part of perennial slopes near the groundWinter protection is mainly required by young plants. Compost, fallen autumn leaves and garden bark will be perfect as mulch covering slopes.In dry, frosty and sunny winters, it is worth covering the plants with a cloth or agrotextile to protect them against physiological drought. This cover prevents water evaporation and the soil from drying out when there is no snow layer.
Faded inflorescences of slopes should be removed
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Slope - reproduction
Older, overgrown perennial slopes are most easily multiplied by dividing the clumps. Annual and perennial species are also sown from seeds.
Seed slope propagation- seeds are sown in autumn or spring - in March to the inspectorate (thanks to this they will bloom a bit faster), and in April directly into the ground. The boxes or pots are filled with a permeable substrate, preferably a peat substrate with a small amount of clay. Ideally, the pH of the earth should be 5.8-6.5. The seeds germinate after 4-8 days at a temperature of 20-22 ° C. The produced seedling is transplanted into the ground in May.
Slope propagation by dividing the clump- mature plants can be divided in early spring. Usually, the division of perennials is performed immediately after digging out of the ground. We divide the plant into parts so that each of them has several growth tips. Then we shorten the leaves and roots, plant them directly in the ground or in individual pots so that the plants can take root better, and water them abundantly.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
