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For Coreopsis leavenworthii (Leavenworth’s Tickseed), choosing the right companion plants can significantly enhance the visual appeal and ecological balance of your garden. Here’s a detailed guide to companion planting for Leavenworth’s Tickseed, focusing on both Florida Native and Florida Friendly plants, complete with their USDA Planting Zone Range, benefits, and uses:

Florida Native Plants:

1. Gaillardia pulchella (Blanket Flower)

   • Zone Range: 8-11

   • Benefits: Offers striking color contrast with its bright orange and red flowers, attracting numerous pollinators which benefit the ecosystem.

   • Use: Plant in the foreground or alongside Coreopsis leavenworthii for a vibrant, sun-loving display.

2. Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage)

   • Zone Range: 8-10

   • Benefits: Adds vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, complementing the yellow blooms of Coreopsis leavenworthii.

   • Use: Ideal alongside or in front of Coreopsis leavenworthii in a border or pollinator garden.

3. Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)

   • Zone Range: 4-10

   • Benefits: Bright orange blooms serve as a host plant for monarch butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.

   • Use: Combine with Coreopsis leavenworthii in a sunny spot to create a hotspot for butterflies.

4. Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan)

   • Zone Range: 3-10

   • Benefits: The bright yellow and black flowers provide a cheerful backdrop to the more subdued tones of Coreopsis leavenworthii, attracting birds and butterflies.

   • Use: Suitable for background planting, providing a taller backdrop to the lower-growing Coreopsis leavenworthii.

5. Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass)

   • Zone Range: 6-11

   • Benefits: The fine, feathery texture of the grass contrasts beautifully with the dense foliage of Coreopsis leavenworthii, especially when its pink blooms emerge in the fall.

   • Use: Plant behind or around Coreopsis leavenworthii to create a layered effect with varying textures.

Florida Friendly Plants:

1. Lantana camara (Lantana)

   • Zone Range: 8-11

   • Benefits: Drought-tolerant and prolific bloomer attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, providing continuous color and wildlife activity.

   • Use: Ideal for edges or as ground cover alongside Coreopsis leavenworthii in mixed beds.

2. Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)

   • Zone Range: 7-11

   • Benefits: Tall, airy stems topped with clusters of purple flowers add height and attract butterflies, creating a lovely contrast with the ground-hugging Coreopsis leavenworthii.

   • Use: Plant behind Coreopsis leavenworthii for added vertical interest in borders or butterfly gardens.

3. Pentas lanceolata (Pentas)

   • Zone Range: 8-11

   • Benefits: Known for attracting pollinators with its star-shaped flowers, available in a variety of colors.

   • Use: Mix with Coreopsis leavenworthii to create a full, colorful, and active flowering area.

4. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Blue Porterweed)

   • Zone Range: 9-11

   • Benefits: Continuous bloomer that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, complementing the pollinator-friendly nature of Coreopsis leavenworthii.

   • Use: Excellent for edges or as a filler in beds where Coreopsis leavenworthii is featured.

Implementation Tips

• Light Requirements: Ensure all chosen plants thrive under similar light conditions as Coreopsis leavenworthii for uniform growth.

• Watering and Soil Needs: Group plants with similar water and soil preferences to promote health and reduce maintenance.

• Aesthetic Considerations: Choose plants that offer contrasting but harmonious colors and textures to maximize visual interest and create a dynamic garden landscape.

This selection of companion plants not only boosts the visual appeal of your garden but also supports a healthy ecosystem, making your gardening experience both beautiful and beneficial.