Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' is a compact floriferous tickseed cultivar prized for its vivid red blooms that glow with golden undertones in strong sunlight. The finely textured green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, and the plant’s profuse flowering habit draws attention in borders or containers. Deadheading encourages rebloom, and its drought tolerance makes it reliable even during dry spells.
Height & Spread: 12 - 16 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
While this cultivar is a garden selection, its parent species are native to North America and support many of the same ecological functions, including pollinator attraction and resilience in native style landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Painted Lady, Pearl Crescent, and Common Buckeye which feed on its nectar rich blooms through summer and fall.
Bees
- Visited by native bees including mining bees and bumblebees, as well as honeybees seeking prolonged bloom season forage.
Moths
- Supports day flying moths such as the Chickweed Geometer and serves as a nectar stopover for nocturnal species in evening hours.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other seed eating songbirds feed on the ripening seed heads if left to mature through fall.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow room for spreading clumps and maximize airflow for foliage health.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited for sunny borders, butterfly gardens, low maintenance pollinator beds, and seasonal containers. Its compact size makes it ideal for small space gardens.
Companion Plants
- Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) - Offers warm toned daisy blooms and similar drought tolerance, pairing well with Coreopsis in sunny borders.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Adds vertical accent and violet flower spikes that complement Coreopsis' bold red tones.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides upright pink blooms that draw pollinators and contrast with Coreopsis’ compact habit.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Combines aromatic gray foliage and soft purple flowers that harmonize with red tones.
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Adds edible foliage and spring blooms while thriving in similar sun and soil conditions.