Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika Coreopsis
Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika Coreopsis
Hardy Red Threadleaf Daisies All Summer
Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata 'Hot Paprika') brings rich, paprika-red daisies to the toughness of threadleaf coreopsis — a dense mound of ferny foliage covered in warm red blooms from early summer into fall. A hardy threadleaf selection, it handles heat, drought, and lean soil while drawing bees and butterflies. A vivid, carefree choice for sunny borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Coreopsis verticillata 'Hot Paprika' (Sizzle & Spice) |
| 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 | Rich paprika-red |
| 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 |
| Native Status | Selection of native threadleaf coreopsis |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Low-water sunny borders: Its red blooms and fine foliage make a warm ribbon in the border. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Pollinator and prairie gardens: Bees and butterflies love it; tough in hot, dry spots. Pair with coneflower, catmint, and ornamental 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 Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika 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 Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika 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: Is red threadleaf coreopsis hardy here?
Yes — this is a hardy threadleaf selection, reliable in zone 4 with good drainage.
Q: How do I keep it blooming?
Shear it lightly in midsummer to spur a fresh flush of flowers into fall.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely bother coreopsis.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4 with good drainage; avoid wet winter soil.
You May Also Like
Zagreb Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata): The golden-yellow threadleaf classic.
Coneflower (Echinacea): A native pollinator partner with matching toughness.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes that contrast the red daisies.
How Many Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika Coreopsis Do I Need?
Space about 20 in apart for a connected drift of red:
| Run Length | Plants Needed (20 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 3 |
| 10 ft | 6 |
| 15 ft | 9 |
| 20 ft | 12 |
For the best pollinator impact, mass it in groups of 3–5 rather than dotting single plants.
Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika Coreopsis Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A dense mound of fine, ferny threadleaf foliage emerges.
- Summer: Covered in warm paprika-red daisies that bees and butterflies work all season.
- Fall: A light midsummer shear keeps fresh blooms coming right into autumn.
- Winter: Cut back and mulch lightly; the hardy crown returns reliably in zone 4.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Red Satin Coreopsis — a larger-flowered red tickseed that echoes the same warm tone.
- Zagreb Coreopsis — the golden-yellow threadleaf classic for a sun-gold contrast.
- Magnus Coneflower — a native pollinator partner with matching toughness.
- Little Bluestem — a fine native grass that frames the red daisies.
Is Sizzle & Spice Hot Paprika Coreopsis Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun in well-drained, even lean soil, blooming for months with almost no fuss while deer and rabbits pass it by. It is not a fit for shady spots (where it sprawls and blooms thinly) or soggy winter soil, which is the main cause of crown rot.