Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Jethro Tull Coreopsis: Quilled Gold Flowers Beside Lavender
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Jethro Tull coreopsis has brilliant golden yellow flowers about 2 inches across, with petals rolled into little fluted tubes that flare open at the toothed tips. The effect is frilly and quilled, unlike any flat daisy. The plant stays compact and bushy at about 18 inches tall and wide, and it blooms heavily in early and midsummer.
Gold and purple is one of the oldest garden combinations around, and this coreopsis makes it easy.
Jethro Tull at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Coreopsis 'Jethro Tull' |
| Flowers | Golden yellow, about 2 inches, with quilled, fluted petals |
| Foliage | Narrow, medium green, clustered near the base |
| Size | About 18 inches tall and wide |
| Bloom | Starts mid-June, peaks early July, long blooming |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4-9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Great for bees and butterflies; deer resistant |
Gold and purple at the same time
Jethro Tull blooms right when lavender does, so the yellow and purple show up together instead of in turns. Yellow sits opposite purple on the color wheel, which makes both colors look stronger. Its size matches a lavender mound, so it can sit in the front row, between lavender plants or in a ribbon along the bed's edge.
Care is the same, too: full sun, average to lean soil, good drainage, and no coddling. Plan the mix in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Site: full sun and average, well-drained soil. Rich, wet soil makes it short-lived.
- Water: regular water until established, then only in long droughts.
- Shearing: deadhead or shear lightly after the first flush to keep it tidy and blooming.
- Airflow: crowded clumps can get powdery mildew in muggy, still weather, so leave some space.
- Winter: leave stems standing over winter and cut back in spring when new growth appears.
Vases and containers
The flowers last well in a vase, and the quilled petals add an unusual texture to a summer bouquet with lavender. Its compact size also suits a sunny container on a deck or patio, where lavender in a neighboring pot keeps the color theme going. Plan cutting stems with the Cut Flower Planner.
The 72-cell plug tray
Jethro Tull is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, a smart choice for mass plantings, long edgings or potting up your own stock. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the petals rolled?
That is the signature of this variety. The petals form fluted tubes that flare at the tips, giving the quilled look.
Is it fragrant?
No. It has no notable fragrance, so plant it for color and let the lavender handle the scent.
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