If you have tried other colorful coreopsis billed as "perennial" and found them short-lived, it's time to step up to the Big Bangâ„?series. The brainchild of breeder Darrell Probst, these 100% perennial cultivars are the result of thousands of crosses among at least 8 species of coreopsis. The result? Gorgeous colors, great vigor, nonstop blooms for months with no deadheading, and compact habit.

'Star Cluster' flowers for at least 5 months in most climates, setting masses and masses of 1½- to 2½-inch daisies. The petals are white around a bright yellow center, and in cooler weather, vivid grape-purple streaks appear at the base and around the edges of every petal. Wow!

These blooms begin in early summer and continue well into fall. Great for cutting, they need no deadheading and are unbelievably profuse. And because they're sterile, you'll get no unwanted volunteers in next spring's garden.

'Star Cluster' is a cultivar of native species, so it has excellent natural resistance to pests and diseases. Deer tend to leave it alone, and it is mildew-free. The plant is mounded but compact, just 18 to 24 inches high and wide. It makes a great groundcover in sunny spots, asking only for good soil drainage. Like all coreopsis, 'Star Cluster' puts up well with heat, humidity, drought, infertile soil, cold, and other stresses.

If you like 'Star Cluster,' try all the Big Bangs™Â?Redshift,' 'Galaxy,' 'Cosmic Evolution,' and 'Cosmic Eye.' Hardy through Zone 5 in the North, eager to bloom, and unstoppably floriferous, they are easy enough for beginning gardeners, yet so beautiful they deserve your finest garden spot.