Perennials

Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’

Coreopsis

Coreopsis 'Red Elf': 35 cm tall and 40 cm spread, full sun exposure. Red, magenta, yellow flowers in June-September. Zone 5; choose a soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

Share
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 5

Discover the plant

Common nameCoreopsis ‘Red Elf’
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusCoreopsis
CultivarRed Elf
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameCoreopsis

The silhouette of Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ (Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’) adds depth to garden compositions. The foliage displays shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-September. At maturity, expect 35 cm in height and 40 cm in width, which guides its use in the middle of flowerbeds and group plantings.

Soil choice is essential for Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’: well-drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during establishment. The preferred exposure is full sun. Support the rooting of Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ with deep watering, then check moisture levels before watering again. Adjust frequency to rain and heat; avoid small daily applications on already moist soil. Maintain 40 cm as a general spacing between plants; this helps preserve their shape and allows access for care. The indicated hardiness level is zone 5, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

In a Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ planting, remove spent flower heads if you wish to maintain a tidy bed and monitor moisture during establishment. Excessive fertility can unbalance the coreopsis clump; prioritize drainage and sufficient light. For companion planting, consider campanulas, daylilies, and perennial geraniums in varieties with similar needs. The flowering period (June-September) and the 40 cm spread will serve as markers for arranging other plants around this one.

Coréopsis ‘Red Elf’ — Coreopsis

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 15.75 in
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to establish themselves before the cold weather sets in.
Propagation Division of clumps; root cuttings. Seeding does not guarantee fidelity to a named cultivar.
Growing method
Coreopsis 'Red Elf': Spring after the thaw or early fall, allowing time for roots to establish before the deep cold. Support the establishment of Coreopsis 'Red Elf' with deep watering, then check the moisture before re-watering. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Excess fertility can unbalance the coreopsis clump; prioritize drainage and sufficient light.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acid to neutral; general indication of botanical group

Care level

Routine maintenance

Watering

Help establish Coreopsis 'Red Elf' with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency to rainfall and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil.

Soil type

Drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Moderate humidity; water according to the actual state of the root ball

Seasonal care

Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’: remove spent flower heads to maintain a tidy appearance, and monitor moisture levels during establishment. During its flowering period (June-September), also check for damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

A stable, perforated container, noticeably wider than the rootball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To try Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (40 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Coréopsis ‘Red Elf’ — Coreopsis

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

14 inches (35.5 cm)

Width / spread

16 inches (40.5 cm)

Flower color

Red

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Lapsed

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Not documented for this selection

Bloom period

June-September
Coréopsis ‘Red Elf’ — Coreopsis

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Companion plants to consider for Coreopsis 'Red Elf': campanulas, daylilies, perennial geraniums. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable humidity; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around Coreopsis 'Red Elf', particularly avoid neighbouring plants that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Coreopsis 'Red Elf'?
Expect sun and suitable soil (well-drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during establishment). Excessive fertility can unbalance the coreopsis clump; prioritize drainage and sufficient light.
Where should I plant Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’?
Expect a height of about 35 cm and a width of 40 cm at maturity. Allow about 40 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of a flowerbed and for group planting.
When does Coreopsis 'Red Elf' bloom?
The indicated period is June-September. The flower palette is red, magenta, yellow. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and the plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’?
Support the rooting of Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Remove spent flower heads if you want to keep a tidy bed and monitor moisture during rooting.
Can Coreopsis 'Red Elf' be grown in a pot?
To try out Coreopsis 'Red Elf' in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future size (40 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.