Coreopsis lanceolata 'Mayfield Giants': The perfect sun-loving plant for your garden

Coreopsis lanceolata 'Mayfield Giants' is a striking perennial known for its abundant blooms and long-lasting color. This sun-loving plant is a popular choice among gardeners who want to create a cheerful, summery atmosphere in their garden. In this article, you'll discover everything about growing, caring for, and using this beautiful plant, including helpful tips to make your garden even more colorful.

Characteristics of Coreopsis lanceolata 'Mayfield Giants'

The 'Mayfield Giants' is a cultivar of Coreopsis lanceolata, also known as the marigold-like curry plant. What makes this variety special is its large, bright yellow flowers, which can reach a diameter of 5 to 7 centimeters. The plant blooms from late spring to early autumn, allowing you to enjoy months of color and vibrancy in your garden.

The flowers of the Mayfield Giants are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making this plant an important addition to a biodiverse garden design. The narrow green leaves create an attractive contrast with the vibrant yellow flowers, adding an airy, natural look to borders and flowerbeds.

Location and soil

Coreopsis lanceolata 'Mayfield Giants' prefers sunny locations. While it can tolerate some shade, the flowers truly shine with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant is fairly tolerant of soil, but prefers well-drained soil. Overly wet or heavy clay soil can cause root rot, so a light, sandy, or loamy soil is ideal.

Water and food

This perennial is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Regular watering is important during the initial growth period, especially in hot, dry conditions. Fertilization isn't strictly necessary, but a light application of a balanced, organic fertilizer in spring can promote flowering and strengthen the plant.

Care and maintenance

One of the advantages of Mayfield Giants is its low maintenance. Regularly remove faded flowers (deadheading) to prolong blooms and maintain a neat appearance. After flowering, the plant can be pruned back to just above the ground to encourage a second, smaller bloom and keep the shape compact.

In addition, it's a good idea to protect the plant from heavy frost in the fall, especially in colder regions. Mulching with a layer of organic material helps protect the roots and keep the soil moist.

Applications in the garden

The Coreopsis lanceolata 'Mayfield Giants' is versatile and can be used in various garden designs. Some popular applications include:

• Borders and flower beds: Combine the bright yellow flowers with purple salvia or blue agastache for a colorful contrast.

• Wildlife gardens and bee gardens: Its attraction for pollinators makes it an excellent choice for an ecological garden.

• Pots and containers: The plant does well in large planters, where it gets a sunny spot and requires easy maintenance.

Conclusion

With its large, bright yellow flowers, long blooming period, and low maintenance requirements, Coreopsis lanceolata 'Mayfield Giants' is an excellent choice for any garden enthusiast. Whether you want to brighten up a border, create a bee-friendly garden, or enhance a sunny patio, this sun-loving plant offers a wealth of color and life. With the right location, care, and a little attention, you can enjoy a vibrant, radiant garden full of flowers for years to come.