Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ and ‘Zagreb’ are two cultivars of the Coreopsis verticillata species, commonly known as threadleaf coreopsis. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of flower color, blooming time, site tolerance, and growth patterns.
1. Flower Color:
‘Moonbeam’ is characterized by its pale yellow or creamy white blooms, while ‘Zagreb’ displays deeper golden yellow flowers. The color difference is subtle but noticeable, with ‘Zagreb’ having a more vibrant and intense yellow hue.
2. Blooming Time:
Both cultivars are known for their long blooming period, but ‘Zagreb’ tends to have a slightly longer bloom time compared to ‘Moonbeam’. This means that ‘Zagreb’ will continue to produce flowers for a longer duration, providing a more extended period of color in the garden.
3. Site Tolerance:
One notable difference between the two cultivars is their tolerance to different growing conditions. ‘Moonbeam’ is known for its ability to thrive in hot and dry sites, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in arid regions or those with limited access to water. On the other hand, ‘Zagreb’ is not only tolerant of hot and dry conditions but also adapts well to heavy clay soils. This makes ‘Zagreb’ a more versatile option for gardeners dealing with challenging soil conditions.
4. Growth Patterns:
In terms of growth patterns, both ‘Moonbeam’ and ‘Zagreb’ are herbaceous perennials that form clumps of finely textured, thread-like foliage. However, ‘Zagreb’ tends to initiate growth earlier in the spring than ‘Moonbeam’, providing an early burst of greenery and color to the garden. Additionally, ‘Zagreb’ also goes dormant later in autumn, prolonging its presence in the garden compared to ‘Moonbeam’.
While both ‘Moonbeam’ and ‘Zagreb’ are beautiful cultivars of Coreopsis verticillata, there are distinct differences between them. ‘Zagreb’ offers deeper golden yellow blooms, a longer blooming time, and a wider range of site tolerance, including hot, dry conditions and heavy clay soils. It also initiates growth earlier in spring and goes dormant later in autumn compared to ‘Moonbeam’. These differences make ‘Zagreb’ a versatile and reliable choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant color and adaptability to their landscape.
