Coreopsis 'Red Elf' is a compact floriferous tickseed cultivar that produces vibrant deep red blooms with golden centers throughout the summer. Its tidy mound and prolific flowering habit make it well suited for small gardens, borders, and containers. The dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop that highlights the striking flower color, while the plant’s long bloom time ensures consistent seasonal appeal.
Height & Spread: 8 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soils; tolerates poor or rocky conditions
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar originates from North American native Coreopsis species, bred for compact growth and saturated flower color. Though not found in the wild, it supports many of the same ecological functions as its native relatives.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Painted Lady, Pearl Crescent, and Common Buckeye that visit its nectar rich blooms through summer and fall.
Bees
- Visited by native solitary bees, sweat bees, and honeybees, which forage on its accessible flowers throughout the bloom season.
Moths
- Supports day flying moths such as the Chickweed Geometer and Hemaris diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing), which feed from its open blooms.
Birds
- Finches and other small songbirds feed on the seeds left behind after blooming, especially if the flower heads are left to mature.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to form a dense flowering mat while maintaining airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for front of border plantings, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and containers where its compact habit and bright color can be appreciated up close.
Companion Plants
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Adds upright form and globe shaped blooms that harmonize with the texture of Coreopsis flowers.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Offers contrasting vertical spikes and deep purple blue blooms that bloom alongside Red Elf.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Complements Red Elf’s red flowers with fragrant silver foliage and soft violet blooms.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Tall daisy like flowers in purple tones create a layered effect behind Coreopsis.
- Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) - Matches the vibrant color intensity and shares similar drought tolerant traits.