Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Why Should I Grow Coreopsis?

Growing Coreopsis in your garden comes with several advantages:

• Long Blooming Period: Coreopsis has an impressively long blooming period, from early summer to fall, providing a steady show of vibrant color when many other plants are past their peak.
• Attracts Pollinators: The bright, daisy-like flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity and potentially improving the health and yield of other plants in your garden.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Coreopsis is an easy-care plant. It’s drought-tolerant and generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for new gardeners or those seeking low-maintenance options.
• Versatility: Available in an array of colors and sizes, Coreopsis can suit various garden designs. It works well in borders, beds, rock gardens, and containers, and its vibrant flowers are excellent for cutting and adding to bouquets.
• Resilience: The plant is deer and rabbit resistant. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent plant for climates with hot, dry summers or xeriscaping.
• Soil Tolerance: This plant adapts to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil. Even so, it can tolerate poor, sandy, or rocky soils, making it a robust and adaptable choice for challenging garden conditions.

In short, Tickseed adds a burst of color to your garden with minimal care requirements. It’s a practical, beautiful, and environmentally friendly addition to any garden.

Tickseed Main Species

Coreopsis is a diverse genus of plants, with over 100 species recognized. These are mostly native to North and South America, with a few found in Africa and Hawaii. Here are some of the main species that are commonly grown in gardens:

• Coreopsis grandiflora: Commonly known as Large-flowered Tickseed, this species features golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring to late summer. It’s a popular species for its bright color and long blooming period.
• Coreopsis verticillata: Also known as Threadleaf Coreopsis or Whorled Tickseed, it has very fine, feathery foliage and bright yellow flowers. This species is known for its excellent drought tolerance and airy, delicate appearance.
• Coreopsis lanceolata: Known as Lanceleaf Coreopsis, this species has lance-shaped leaves and golden-yellow flowers. It’s a robust plant that can handle a variety of conditions and is often used in wildflower mixes.
• Coreopsis tinctoria: This species, also known as Golden Tickseed or Plains Coreopsis, is an annual with red or yellow flowers with a red-brown center. It’s a great choice for adding color to a garden quickly.
• Coreopsis leavenworthii: Commonly known as Leavenworth’s Tickseed, this is a Florida native with vibrant yellow flowers. It’s a great choice for southern gardens.
• Coreopsis auriculata: Known as Lobed Tickseed or Mouse Ear Tickseed, it has distinctive lobed leaves and bright yellow-orange flowers.
• Coreopsis rosea: Also known as Pink Tickseed, this is a delightful perennial with delicate pink flowers. Growing up to 2 feet tall (60 centimeters), it adds a touch of charm to borders, rock gardens, and containers.
• Coreopsis tripteris: Known as Tall Tickseed, it can reach heights of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters)and produces yellow flowers.

Each species has its own specific growing requirements and characteristics, so choosing one suitable for your garden’s conditions is important. Coreopsis species also hybridize readily, so numerous cultivars are available with a wide range of colors, sizes, and growth habits.

Garden Design with Coreopsis

Designing a garden with Coreopsis, or Tickseed, allows for plenty of creativity due to its vibrant color, versatility, and adaptability. Here are some tips for incorporating Coreopsis into your garden design:

• Mixed Borders: Coreopsis fits well into mixed borders with its profusion of cheerful, daisy-like blooms. Plant it with perennials that flower at the same time for a dynamic display. Ideal companions include Salvia, Echinacea, and Gaillardia.
• Cottage Gardens: Coreopsis’s informal habit and charming flowers make it a great choice for a traditional cottage garden. Combine it with old-fashioned favorites like Roses, Lavender, and Hollyhocks.
• Rock Gardens: The low-growing varieties of Coreopsis, such as ‘Nana’ and ‘Zagreb,’ are suitable for rock gardens. Their drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soils make them a perfect fit.
• Pollinator Gardens: Since Coreopsis attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, it’s an excellent choice for a pollinator garden. Plant it alongside other pollinator-friendly plants like Milkweed and Coneflowers.
• Mass Plantings: Use Coreopsis for a dramatic effect in mass plantings. A sea of their bright yellow, pink, or red flowers can create a stunning visual impact.
• Containers: Smaller varieties of Coreopsis do well in containers. Combine them with trailing plants, like Creeping Jenny, for a dynamic arrangement.
• Cutting Gardens: With their long bloom time and sturdy stems, many Coreopsis make excellent cut flowers. Plant them in a cutting garden along with other favorites like Zinnias and Dahlias.

Companion Plants for Coreopsis

Coreopsis, with its sunny, long-lasting blooms, pairs beautifully with many other perennials and shrubs. Here are some companion plants for Coreopsis that will create a vibrant and attractive garden:

• Echinacea (Coneflower): The bold, sturdy blooms of Echinacea pair beautifully with the more delicate, fluttering flowers of Coreopsis.
• Salvia: The tall, spike-like flowers of Salvia contrast nicely with the daisy-like blooms of Coreopsis, and their bloom times often overlap.
• Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): Like Coreopsis, Rudbeckia blooms throughout the summer and into the fall, creating a long-lasting display of color.
• Achillea (Yarrow): Yarrow’s flat-topped flowers provide a nice contrast to the shape of Coreopsis blooms. Their similar care needs make them a good pair.
• Penstemon: With their tube-shaped flowers, Penstemons provide a contrast in form to the Coreopsis while complementing its color.
• Grasses: Ornamental grasses like Switchgrass or Blue Fescue can provide a lovely backdrop for Coreopsis, their contrasting textures can create a dynamic display.
• Lavender: The silvery foliage and purple flowers of Lavender can create a striking contrast with the yellow or pink blooms of Coreopsis.
• Nepeta (Catmint): With its long bloom season, attractive blue flowers, and soft, fragrant foliage, Catmint is an excellent companion for Coreopsis.
• Gaillardia (Blanket Flower): Gaillardia shares the same care needs and has a similar flower shape to Coreopsis but in a wider range of colors.
• Daylilies: The strong vertical form and bold colors of daylilies contrast beautifully with Coreopsis’s delicate, airy look.

These companion plants for Coreopsis can help create a garden that is lively, colorful, and full of texture.

Growing Tips

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a delightful plant known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms and easy care. Here are some tips to help you successfully grow and care for Coreopsis in your garden:

1. Sunlight: Coreopsis loves full sun, so it’s best to plant them in a spot where they’ll get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They get lanky in partial shade, although some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer areas.

2. Soil: These plants aren’t overly picky about soil, but they do prefer well-draining soil. They can tolerate poor, rocky, or sandy soils quite well. If your soil is heavy clay or tends to stay soggy, you might want to amend it with some organic matter to improve drainage.

3. Watering: While established Coreopsis plants are quite drought-tolerant, they will perform best if they receive regular watering, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.

4. Feeding: Coreopsis doesn’t require much feeding. If your soil is very poor, you might want to add a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer in the spring when new growth begins.

5. Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering season and keep the plants tidy. In mid-summer, you can cut back the plants by a third to encourage a new flush of blooms.

6. Dividing: Coreopsis plants should be divided every 2-3 years in the early spring or fall to maintain their vigor. This is also a great opportunity to spread these beautiful plants around your garden or share them with friends.

7. Overwintering: In colder climates, you can add a layer of mulch around the plants in the fall for extra winter protection.

8. Pests/Diseases: Coreopsis is relatively pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to bacterial leaf spot, downy mildew, and powdery mildew. Bacterial leaf spot causes dark spots on the leaves, while downy mildew and powdery mildew result in a white or grayish fungal growth on the foliage. Proper sanitation, regular monitoring, and providing good air circulation can help prevent and manage these diseases.

9. Propagation: You can propagate Coreopsis by division, from seeds, or from softwood cuttings.

With these tips, you should be able to enjoy a long season of colorful blooms from your Coreopsis plants.