Coreopsis 'Creme Brulee' is a long blooming tickseed cultivar prized for its soft buttery yellow daisy like flowers that appear continuously from early summer into fall without deadheading. Its fine textured foliage forms a low bushy mound and is more mildew resistant than older varieties. This selection is a favorite in mass plantings for a luminous meadow inspired effect and attracts a wide range of pollinators.
Height & Spread: 15 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soils; tolerant of sandy and average garden soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from North American native Coreopsis verticillata. While 'Creme Brulee' is not a naturally occurring wild type, it retains many ecological benefits of its native lineage.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts nectar feeding butterflies such as Painted Ladies, Eastern Tailed Blues, and Pearl Crescents throughout its extended bloom season.
Bees
- Visited by a wide range of native bees including leafcutter bees, sweat bees, and bumblebees for its abundant pollen and nectar.
Moths
- Supports nocturnal pollinators such as the Yellow Collared Scape Moth and various owlet moths that visit during evening hours.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other small songbirds feed on the seeds if flower heads are left standing into fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for full airy mounding habit and continuous flowering without crowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Well suited for pollinator gardens, sunny borders, naturalistic meadows, and containers. Makes a striking statement when planted in drifts or repeated among grasses and other sun loving perennials.
Companion Plants
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Deep violet spikes offer bold contrast to the soft yellow blooms of 'Creme Brulee' and attract bees and butterflies.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Adds aromatic foliage and deep purple flowers that complement Coreopsis in sunny, dry plantings.
- Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) - Offers ferny foliage and flat topped flower clusters that echo the cottage garden appeal of Coreopsis.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Shares a long bloom season and similar golden tones while providing structure and durability in mixed plantings.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Adds vertical accent and contrasting purple flowers that extend the pollinator season in sunny beds.