In the last couple of years, a number of perennial coreopsis with fluted petals have arrived at nurseries. The fluted petals are formed when individual rays of the daisy-like flowers roll inwards at the edges and join to form a tube. This feature is also seen in a number of other members of the daisy family from the annual Cosmos ‘Sea Shells’ to the perennial Gaillardia ‘Fanfare’.
The first of the coreopsis with fluted petals was C. auriculata ‘Zamfir’ (although the Plant Finder spells the name 'Zamphir'), introduced in the USA in 1991 and here in 2005. This sport of C. auriculata has bright yellow flowers, but I found that while some flowers had fluted petals some did not. The result was annoyingly unpredictable – and rather messy. ‘Zamfir’ was raised by ItSaul Plants in Georgia, the same nursery that has brought us, more recently, a number of new hybrid echinaceas in new colours. ‘Zamfir’ is available from these RHS Plant Finder nurseries.
‘Pinwheel’ is a paler form, bred in Oregon, and introduced here last year. The petals are usually only fluted to about half the length, so revealing an appealing contrast between the paler inside of the flute and the slightly darker outside. However, I’ve not found this overwinters as reliably as some other coreopsis although it makes a fine summer container plant. ‘Pinwheel’ is available from these RHS Plant Finder nurseries.
The new ‘Jethro Tull’ is the best of the three. For me it has been reliably consistent in its fluted petals and is vigorous and hardy too. This is also from ItSaul Plants and is a hybrid between ‘Zamfir’ and C. grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’. Named for the rock band led by flautist Ian Anderson, it’s new in Britain this year and available from these RHS Plant Finder nurseries as well as Lady Green Garden Centre on Merseyside and Beetham Nurseries in Cumbria (01539 563630). It makes a delightful addition to small posies as well as an intriguing and colourful border perennial.
There is also a fluted version of the annual Coreopsis tinctoria in mixed colours called ‘Quills and Thrills’, it’s is available from Thompson and Morgan Seeds and from Nicky’s Nursery.