In bloom at Botanica: tickseed

Botanical name: Coreopsis verticillata Big Bang "Redshift"

Location: Xeriscape Garden

Description: A perennial bearing large, daisy-like flowers that start out a creamy yellow with a red center and shift to ruby red as the weather cools. This transformation results in a wide range of streaking colors that make an excellent show in the garden. Has a well-branched, mounded growing habit and blooms from late spring through late summer. Grows 30 to 36 inches high and 24 to 30 inches wide.

Growth tips: Thrives in well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Remove spent flowers for continuous bloom.

History: New at Botanica this year.

Uses: Good selection for beds and borders or containers. Attractive to butterflies. Can also be used as a cut flower.

Also blooming: Mums, pansies, roses, wildflowers, water lilies, annuals and other perennials.

Source: Botanica, 701 Amidon, 316-264-0448, www.botanica.org