Solanna is a coreopsis with big, golden-yellow blooms, fuller-petaled than the wispy threadleaf types, carried over a compact green mound from summer into fall. It delivers the reliable gold that ties a sunny border together for months at a stretch.

Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil; soggy winter ground is the one condition to avoid. Established plants tolerate drought, and deer and rabbits show little interest. Bees and butterflies visit steadily. Shear spent stems midseason to freshen the mound and encourage the fall round of bloom.