Coreopsis rosea (Pink Tickseed)

Noted for its long, continuous flowering season, Coreopsis rosea (Pink Tickseed) is an erect rhizomatous perennial forming dense, bushy clumps of fine-textured, airy, grass-like, light green leaves. In summer and early fall, a profusion of starry rosy-pink flowers, up to 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are borne on short stems. Their golden center disk provides a nice contrast to the 8 rich pink ray florets. Blooming for months, Pink Tickseed is a lovely sight in the garden with its airy mounds of delicate thread-like foliage, covered with beautiful flowers. Easy to grow, and relatively pest and disease free, this coreopsis species can make a terrific colony and complements other annuals and perennials very well. Unlike most other coreopsis, this plant is not tolerant of dry soil or heat.

• Grows up to 18-24 in. in tall (45-60 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm). Can spread aggressively by creeping rhizomes to form a ground cover.
• Performs best in full sun in sandy, consistently moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils.
• Very versatile, it is a welcomed addition to borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas. Effective as an accent plant, groundcover (small area), path, or patio edging and spectacular in mass plantings.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Crown rot may occur if grown in poorly drained soils. Deer resistant.
• Deadheading of spent flowers will promote new blooms, although this can be tedious. Late summer shearing should help tidy up the plant and promote a fall rebloom. Cut to ground level at the end of the season.
• Easily grown from seed. Mature plants may be increased by division.
• Native to wet sandy soils along water margins in coastal plain areas from Nova Scotia to Maryland.