Coreopsis 'Zesty Zinger' is a vivid floriferous cultivar known for its daisy shaped raspberry red blooms with bright yellow centers. The flowers are produced in abundance throughout the summer, creating a striking contrast against the fine textured dark green foliage. This compact perennial is a magnet for pollinators and brings strong color impact to small garden spaces, borders, or containers. Its tidy mounding form makes it suitable for both formal and naturalistic designs, and it reblooms well with regular deadheading.
Height & Spread: 12 - 16 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil of average to low fertility
Watering Needs: Low once established; prefers occasional deep watering
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided by deer due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar originates from Coreopsis grandiflora, a species native to the central United States. Though bred for ornamental use, it retains ecological value and pollinator appeal.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Draws a range of butterflies such as Painted Ladies, Pearl Crescents, and Silvery Checkerspots seeking nectar throughout the bloom season.
Bees
- Attracts native bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees that forage heavily on the open faced flowers.
Moths
- Visited by day flying moths including the Eight Spotted Forester and various flower moths that feed on nectar.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other small seed eating birds feed on the seed heads if left to dry at the end of the season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to accommodate its spreading, mounded growth habit.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, containers, and seasonal plantings where long bloom and compact form are desired.
Companion Plants
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Offers compact vertical form and purple blooms that contrast well with Coreopsis colors.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Adds spiky blue purple flowers and supports similar pollinator groups.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Pairs well with Coreopsis in color and structure, offering extended seasonal bloom.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Provides golden yellow blooms and strong late summer structure.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) - Adds a looser more naturalistic form with aromatic foliage and lavender flowers.