Coreopsis ‘Creme Brulee’, the Memorial Perennial
Coreopsis verticillata Creme Brulee (USPP#16096, JP16955, PBR, ‘Cremebru’ in Europe) comes to Rozanne® and Friends from June Croon who discovered this plant in the private garden of her sister, Lois Woodhull, after her untimely death. For June, it was a perennial reminder of her sister—and encouragement, healing and hope. Non-profit organizations receive a split of patent royalties to help those in need.
June initially found the ‘Creme Brulee’ within the popular variety ‘Moonbeam’. Compared to the ‘Moonbeam’, Creme Brulee’s color is darker, foliage is a brighter green, with more flowers occuring within the plant canopy. Moreover, the deep yellow flowers are larger. Creme Brulee forms strong mounded clumps with a mature height of 20 inches (51 cm); mature spread of 35 inches (89 cm). In addition, plants appeared to be more resistant to powdery mildew.
The genus name Coreopsis, translates from Greek to “bug-like”. The common name, Tickseed, is given since the seed shape and color resemble ticks.
Coreopsis ‘Creme Brulee’, The Much Lauded Perennial!
‘Creme Brulee’ received a Bronze Medal from the Plantarium Trade Show (Netherlands). ‘Creme Brulee’ was also on the 2006 Best of Summer Flowering list in the University of Florida Trial Gardens.
The National Garden Bureau named Coreopsis as the 2018 Plant of The Year in the perennial category. Selection criteria are crops that are easy to grow with many varieties from which to choose. The NGB generates substantial publicity about new perennial varieties, which could benefit your sales of these plants. Check the NGB website for more information.
For growers
- Typically plant 1 liner per quart (1 litre), 6- or 8-inch (15 or 20 cm) or 1 gallon (4 litre) pots.
- Vernalization is not required.
- Standard media pH: 5.5 to 6.5; standard media EC: 1.5 to 3.0 mmhos/cm (saturated paste).
- Although plants are free branching, pinch/shear about 2 weeks after planting to obtain fuller growth.
- Watch for aphids.
- Long days are required for flowering. Plant late April, early May to sell 12 to 14 weeks later.
- See our Technical Guide for more information.
In the garden
- For front garden borders and as container combination plantings.
- Long blooming from summer to fall.
- Deer resistant, butterfly attracter, cut flower.
- Grow in full sun.
- Water plantings in extended dry periods.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Learn about June as well as our other talented breeders at our website.