Coreopsis: The Sunshine Flower for Natural Dye Gardens

Coreopsis is quickly becoming one of my favorite dye plants—and one I find myself recommending again and again. Hardy, sun-loving, and endlessly cheerful, coreopsis thrives in hot, dry climates and offers a dazzling range of warm colors for natural dyeing. It checks all the boxes: easy to grow, beautiful in the garden, and incredibly generous when it comes to pigment.

The blossoms are like little bursts of sunshine, with bright daisy-like petals that seem to glow in the summer light. Pollinators love them, and I love how long they bloom—right through the heat of summer and into the fall. For the natural dyer, they offer rich, saturated hues from just a handful of petals. I’ve used coreopsis for immersion dyeing and eco printing, and it always impresses me with its versatility and intensity.

When and where should I plant my coreopsis?
 Coreopsis is a fantastic choice for gardens in hot, sunny regions—especially in places like Salt Lake where the air is dry and the soil isn’t always rich. These North American natives are well adapted to poor soil, infrequent watering, and intense sun, making them a low-maintenance dream for the high mountain desert.

Start seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before your last frost date, or sow directly once the soil has warmed. If you’re short on time (or energy), planting nursery starts in mid-May works great too. Coreopsis thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once it’s established, it doesn’t ask for much—just the occasional watering. For dyeing purposes, harvest flowers when they’re fully open. You can use them fresh, but they also dry beautifully. Store dried flowers in a cool, dark spot for year-round use in your dye pot.

What varieties should I choose and what colors will they give me?
 There are many varieties of coreopsis, but the ones most commonly used in natural dyeing are from the Coreopsis tinctoria and Coreopsis lanceolata species. Each offers a different take on the warm end of the color spectrum—from glowing golds to deep rust and even reds.

• Coreopsis tinctoria (often called Dyer’s Coreopsis): This is the most popular dye variety, and for good reason. Depending on the variety, you can achieve strong, rich golden yellow to burnt orange or reddish brown.. It’s an excellent choice for both immersion dyeing and eco printing.
  
  
• Coreopsis lanceolata: Slightly less intense than tinctoria, this variety still yields bright yellows and golds, and works beautifully in combination with other flowers for eco printing. It’s also a lovely landscaping flower, with tidy mounds of golden blooms that attract bees and butterflies.
  
  
• Hybrid and garden varieties: Many ornamental coreopsis hybrids also contain dye potential, especially those with red or orange tones in the petals. Experiment with what you have—I've gotten beautiful results from a mixed patch of unknown varieties.
  
  

Coreopsis is a dye garden staple
 If you’re building a dye garden, coreopsis is a must. It’s easy to grow, easy to harvest, and brings a reliable burst of color to both your garden and your textiles. Whether you’re soaking wool in a sunny yellow bath, hammering petals into cotton, or layering them in an eco print, coreopsis offers a joyful, sustainable way to work with natural color. I can’t imagine my summer dye season without it.

- Jennifer Samuelson, Fiber Artist