Coreopsis: Tickseed
Coreopsis flowers are so much fun in the garden landscape! These carefree perennials are literally covered with brilliant, freshly colored flowers all summer and into the fall.
Plant care & info
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Coreopsis.
Common Name: Tickseed
About 80 species of annuals and perennials are widely distributed throughout the Americas, especially in the prairies through to the southwestern USA and Mexico.
Full sun and average soil. Very rich or heavily fertilized soil can cause the plants to become floppy and overgrown. Good drainage is necessary.
Coreopsis are quite low maintenance. They are drought tolerant once established, but benefit from some moisture when in bloom over the dry summer months. Be careful not to over-water or let the plant sit in standing water. Keep fertilizing to a minimum. Tall varieties will need to be staked.
Coreopsis plants benefit from deadheading during their summer bloom period to encourage additional flowering. After the first winter frost, cut the entire plant back.
Older plants have a tendency to decline in vigor. To regenerate, dig up the plant and separate new growth from the older plant. Replant the newer sections and discard the rest.
Attracts bees, butterflies and birds. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant. Great cut flowers.
Mildew and root rot are the most common diseases, so it is best to avoid overwatering or planting in soggy areas.
Protect against slugs as new growth emerges in the spring.
Coreopsis beetle is a new pest in the Portland area. It is especially active when night temperatures are above 55ºF, leaving skeletonized leaves. The adult beetles are black with cream stripes. They are best controlled by hand picking them off the plants. The larval stages can be controlled with Bt if caught early enough.
Their single heads on tall, slim stems create a full habit that adds a bright playfulness to the garden. It looks beautiful as a lively accent in containers, near trees and shrubs, or planted up on a green roof.
The abundant flowers come in a broad array of colors and combinations—from creamy yellow and radiant oranges to vibrant hot pink and reds. All are generally about 1-2” in diameter. Many species grow to around 2-3’ tall and wide, although some grow as small as 8” and others over 5’. The leaves vary from simple and dissected to ferny. Talk about diversity!
Coreopsis is a tough perennial that thrives in full sun along cottage borders, intense parking strips, and mixed containers. This versatile plant combines well with echinacea, grasses and perovskia.
There are dozens of varieties of these long bloomers to choose from. Many are great cut flowers and attract butterflies.
Explore More Tickseed
Coreopsis grandiflora
Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’
Double, rich yellow flowers 20”h, 18”w.
Award winner Zones 4-9.
Coreopsis ‘Flying Saucers’
Vigorous, compact plant 18”h & w.
Dark yellow semi-double flowers.
Great cut flower.
Zone 5-9.
Coreopsis ‘Jethro Tull’
Compact, free blooming yellow flowers with tubular petals.
12-18”h, 18-24”w
Zones 5-9
Coreopsis Tinctoria (Annuals)
Coreopsis tinctoria ‘Mahogany Midget’
A gorgeous annual variety with rich, single mahogany flowers. Grows 10” tall and wide. Great for borders and containers.
Coreopsis Verticillata
Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’
Fine, feathery foliage is topped with 1” lemon yellow flowers in June-September. Grows 18” h&w. Zone 4.
Coreopsis ‘Show Stopper’
Bright rosy pink single flowers June-September. Grows 24″ tall 30″wide. Hardy to zone 5.
Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’
Feathery foliage adds great texture to the garden as soon as it emerges in spring. Bright yellow single flowers June-August or September. 12-18”h, 15”w. Zone 4.
Coreopsis Hybrids
Coreopsis ‘Big Bang Series’
Bred for good branching and low seed production which promotes heavier flowering.
Coreopsis ‘Day Break’
Stunning red petals with yellow tips. Compact growing to 6-12″ tall and wide. Perfect for containers.
Coreopsis ‘Full Moon’
Large, butter yellow flowers on a free blooming plant. 24-30”h, 18”w.
Coreopsis ‘Red Shift’
This fabulous plant has flowers that are yellow with a red eye in the heat of summer but change to more ruby tones as the weather cools. 24-30”h, 18”w.
Coreopsis ‘Red Satin’
Deep red single flowers June-September. Grows 18″tall 24″ wide.
Coreopsis ‘Garnet’
A Terra Nova introduction with rosy pink flowers June through September. Grows 18″tall 24″wide. Hardy to zone 7.
Coreopsis ‘Ruby Frost’
Stunning ruby red, single flowers with an irregular white edge. 24-26”h, 28”w. Zone 7-9.
