Jethro Tull Coreopsis
Golden Daisies With Distinctive Fluted Petals
Jethro Tull Coreopsis (Coreopsis 'Jethro Tull') stands out with golden-yellow daisies whose petals are rolled into eye-catching fluted tubes, giving the flowers a distinctive pinwheel look. Blooming from early summer into fall on a tidy, well-branched plant, it's drought-tough, deer-resistant, and a magnet for bees and butterflies. A unique, cheerful choice for sunny borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Jethro Tull Coreopsis Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Coreopsis 'Jethro Tull' |
| Mature Size | 15–18 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Early summer into fall |
| Flower Color | Golden-yellow with fluted petals |
| Soil | Well-drained; tolerates clay and lean soil; adaptable |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Distinctive sunny borders: The unusual fluted petals add texture and interest to the border. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Pollinator and low-water beds: Bees and butterflies love it; tough in hot, dry spots. Pair with coneflower, catmint, and grasses.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. Provide good drainage; avoid soggy winter soil.
How to Plant Jethro Tull Coreopsis
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, loosening clay and mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water in, and mulch lightly. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Watering Jethro Tull Coreopsis
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Drought-tolerant — water only during extended dry spells. A midsummer shear refreshes it for fall bloom.
Q: What makes the flowers unusual?
Its golden petals are rolled into fluted tubes, giving each daisy a distinctive, pinwheel-like texture.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4 with good drainage; avoid wet winter soil.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely bother coreopsis.
Q: How do I keep it blooming?
Shear lightly in midsummer to spur fresh flowers into fall.
You May Also Like
Zagreb Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata): A golden threadleaf classic.
Coneflower (Echinacea): A native pollinator partner with matching toughness.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes that contrast the golden daisies.
How Many Jethro Tull Coreopsis Do I Need?
Space plants about 20 inches apart, or plant in groups of 3–5 for a bold sweep of golden color.
| Run Length | Plants Needed |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 6 plants |
| 20 ft | 12 plants |
| 30 ft | 18 plants |
| 40 ft | 24 plants |
Jethro Tull Coreopsis Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Mound of fine green foliage fills in as the soil warms.
- Summer: Golden-yellow daisies with distinctive fluted petals open and keep coming.
- Fall: Blooms continue into autumn; a midsummer shear keeps flowers fresh.
- Winter: Dormant — cut spent stems back in late winter before new growth.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Zagreb Coreopsis — a golden threadleaf classic that extends the coreopsis theme.
- Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower — a tough native coneflower with matching gold tones.
- Little Bluestem — an upright native grass for airy contrast and fall color.
- Blue Fortune Hyssop — blue spikes that cool down the golden daisies and feed bees.
Is Jethro Tull Coreopsis Right for Your Yard?
Jethro Tull Coreopsis is happiest in full sun with lean, well-drained soil — perfect for hot, low-water borders. Not a fit for wet or shaded ground, where it gets leggy, blooms thinly, and risks crown rot over winter.