Coreopsis, ‘Mercury Rising’ (Coreopsis ‘Mercury Rising’)
Mercury Rising coreopsis is a standout perennial known for its rich, velvety red blooms—one of the deepest red tones available in coreopsis. Part of the Big Bang™ series, it combines vibrant color with strong garden performance, offering long-lasting blooms, compact growth, and excellent adaptability. It brings bold contrast to pollinator plantings, borders, and meadow-style gardens.
Key Characteristics
Deep red blooms with long seasonal color
Mercury Rising produces saturated crimson-red flowers with a soft, velvety appearance that holds well in sun without fading quickly. Blooming from early summer into fall, it provides continuous color, especially when lightly deadheaded or cut back mid-season.
Reliable nectar source for pollinators
The open flower structure makes nectar and pollen easily accessible to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its extended bloom window helps sustain pollinator activity through the peak of the growing season.
Compact, clump-forming perennial for structured plantings
This variety forms a tidy, upright clump, typically reaching 12–18 inches tall. Its manageable size makes it ideal for borders, mass plantings, and integrating into mixed perennial beds without overwhelming neighboring plants.
Drought-tolerant and adaptable garden performer
Once established, Mercury Rising tolerates dry conditions and a range of soil types, provided drainage is good. It performs well in meadow plantings, pollinator gardens, and low-input systems where resilience is important.
- Native range: Cultivated hybrid (North American species lineage)
- Plant life cycle: Perennial
- Sun requirements: Full sun
- Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained
- Mature height: 12–18 inches
- Bloom time: June – September
- Bloom color: Deep red
- USDA Hardiness zones: 5–9
For best results, plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead or shear lightly after the first flush of blooms to encourage continued flowering and maintain a compact, tidy form throughout the season.
