Attract pollinators and enjoy a low-maintenance garden with coreopsis (tickseed). This guide covers everything you need to know.
If you want captivating colors and a simple care routine in your flower garden, coreopsis is like that effortlessly stylish friend who always looks amazing without even trying. These blooms require minimal care to dazzle your garden with their bold brilliance.
Coreopsis was one of my first perennial plants to grow and I’ve had it my flower gardens for over twenty-five years. With its vibrant colors and delicate daisy-like blooms, it’s a must-have addition to your garden if you’re aiming for low-maintenance beauty.
It’s also a great addition to various garden styles, from wildflower meadows to formal gardens. And what’s great about coreopsis is that it comes in various shades – from sunny yellows to deep oranges, pinks and even striking reds!
Learn how to grow the coreopsis plant with these simple tips.
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About Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often referred to as “tickseed,” is a herbaceous perennial plant in the daisy (Asteraceae) family that is typically found in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. It grows in dense, bushy clumps with fine, airy foliage and showy blooms.
It is a cheerful and easy-to-grow wildflower native to North America. With over 100 species found across the continent, these vibrant plants have been brightening gardens and supporting pollinators for centuries
In general, most tickseed plants grow to be around 1 to 3 feet in height and have a similar spread. However, there are both compact and taller varieties available, so you can choose the one that best fits your garden space. Coreopsis looks great when planted in the front or middle of flower gardens.
Benefits of Growing Tickseed
Growing coreopsis comes with a range of benefits that make it a fantastic addition to any garden. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to cultivate these charming blooms:
- Vibrant Beauty: Tickseed offers a stunning display of colorful flowers that add a vibrant touch to your garden. With shades of yellow, orange, red, and even pink, coreopsis can brighten up any landscape.
- Low Maintenance: If you’re looking for a plant that requires minimal effort to thrive, coreopsis is an excellent choice. Its low-maintenance nature means you can enjoy its beauty without constant attention.
- Long Blooming Period: Many coreopsis varieties have a long blooming season, providing you with continuous bursts of color from late spring to early fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Tickseed’s nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. By planting coreopsis, you’re supporting local wildlife and promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.
- Deer Resistance: Coreopsis is often deer-resistant, which can help protect your garden from these hungry visitors.
- Versatile Landscaping: Tickseed works well in various garden styles, from cottage gardens to wildflower meadows and even formal gardens. Its versatility makes it easy to integrate into your existing landscape design.
- Cut Flowers: Coreopsis flowers make lovely cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements, allowing you to bring a piece of your garden indoors.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, coreopsis can withstand periods of drought, making it a water-wise option for regions with limited water availability.
- Naturalizing: Some tickseed varieties are great for naturalizing, meaning they can spread and create a more extensive stand over time, filling in spaces in a beautiful and organic way.
- Erosion Control: With its spreading habit and strong root system, coreopsis can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: Beyond the blooms, some coreopsis varieties offer interesting seed heads that can add visual interest to your garden, even after the flowering season.
How to Grow Coreopsis
Light Conditions for Tickseed
Tickseed is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions. This means it prefers to receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While coreopsis prefers full sun, some varieties can tolerate a bit of shade, especially in the afternoon. So depending on the variety, if you have a spot that gets 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, you might be able to grow coreopsis there.
Soil
Tickseed plant thrives in infertile sandy and rocky soils and tolerates drought, low levels of salt, infertile soil, heat, and humidity. If the soil is too rich or moist, stems become weak and plants tend to flop, so well-draining soil is a must.
I can attest to how much they don’t love overly moist soil. When we moved here, I dug and divided a few and moved them over to the cottage garden next to the pool. I didn’t know how saturated that soil was until I noticed the coreopsis and some nepeta divisions not thriving. While tickseeds aren’t super fussy, they don’t do well in soil that doesn’t drain well.
Watering Coreopsis
While coreopsis is known for its drought-tolerant nature, the key is to provide enough water to keep the plant healthy and thriving without overwatering, which can lead to root rot, weak stems, fewer blooms, or other issues. Follow these tips for watering tickseed.
- Water at the base of the plant: Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and prevent diseases.
- Always water in the morning if possible: Avoid watering later in the day or evening to avoid disease problems.
- Minimal Watering: Check the soil before watering to make sure the soil isn’t waterlogged. Watering once every two weeks to a month, depending on your climate and soil conditions, is usually sufficient.
Pollinator Friendly Tickseed
Tickseed is a pollinator-friendly plant that attracts a variety of beneficial insects, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies. Additionally, coreopsis often has a prolonged blooming period, which means it provides a consistent and reliable food source for pollinators throughout the entire growing season.
Is Coreopsis Deer Resistant?
Yes, coreopsis is generally considered to be deer-resistant due to its natural characteristics, such as its texture and taste. However, it’s important to note that while tickseed is less appealing to deer, there’s no guarantee that deer won’t occasionally nibble on it, especially if they’re facing extreme food shortages or if they’re particularly hungry.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension rates coreopsis varieties differently in terms of deer resistance so check their list so you know what rating the variety you plant has.
Common Pest and Disease Problems
Coreopsis is generally a resilient and low-maintenance plant, but like any garden plant, it can face a few pest and disease challenges. I’ve never had an issue with them, but they do suffer from powdery mildew each year as the plant wraps up its bloom cycle.
Here are common issues to be aware of when growing coreopsis:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can cluster on new growth and flower buds, sucking out plant juices. They can be washed off with a strong stream of water or controlled with insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe.
- Spider Mites: These pests are more common in hot, dry conditions. They cause stippling on leaves and can be controlled with regular misting and introducing predatory mites or insects.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and choose mildew-resistant varieties to prevent this issue.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes dark spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent its spread.
- Root Rot: Overly wet conditions can lead to root rot, which affects the plant’s health. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent this problem.
- Rust: Rust appears as orange or rust-colored spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation to prevent its spread.
How to Grow Coreopsis in Pots
Growing coreopsis in pots is a fantastic option for gardeners with limited space or those who prefer container gardening. Tickseed’s hardy nature and adaptability make it well-suited for container growth, allowing you to enjoy it on patios, balconies, or any sunny spot. Here are some tips for successfully growing yarrow in pots:
- Select a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has good drainage holes. Tickseed has a moderate root system, so a container with adequate depth is essential for healthy growth.
- Use a well-draining potting mix. You can also add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- When planting coreopsis in a pot, ensure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Plant one to a pot as they need at least 12″ of spacing between plants. After planting, water thoroughly to help the plants establish their roots.
- Place the pot in a location that receives full sun for at least six to eight hours a day.
- Water the plants well but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During the hot summer months, you’ll likely need to water potted coreopsis once per day. Always water the base of plants in the earlier part of the day where plant roots need it most. This will help cut down on pest and disease problems in the long run. But the best way to water potted flowers is to set up a drip irrigation system so it is set and forget!
- A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring will provide sufficient nutrients for the growing season.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Winter Care for Coreopsis in Pots
If you want your tickseed in pots to survive the winter, choose a variety than can handle two zones colder than your current hardiness zone. This means, if you live in zone 6, you’ll want to ensure the variety you grow can handle zone 4.
Another option is moving the pot to a sheltered location or insulating it with mulch or bubble wrap. You can also try bringing the pot indoors to a cool, bright area to overwinter and water it minimally.Growing tickseed in pots allows you to enjoy its beauty and benefits in versatile settings, making it a perfect choice for small gardens, urban spaces, and container displays.
Propagating Tickseed Plant
Propagating coreopsis flowers is a rewarding way to expand your garden and share the beauty of this plant with others. There are a few methods you can use to propagate coreopsis:
Division
- Best Time: spring or early fall, every 2-3 years to maintain robustness.
- Dig Up: Carefully dig up an established coreopsis plant. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy root system and some shoots.
- Replant: Plant the divided sections in well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing before. Water them well after planting.
Growing Coreopsis From Seed
- Best Time: Depending on the variety, Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks (refer to your seed packet directions for that variety’s sowing date) before the last expected frost or directly outdoors after the last frost.
- Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors in seed trays with well-draining seed starting mix. Press the seeds lightly into the soil and keep them consistently moist. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once they’re established and the weather is suitable.
- Direct Sowing: If you’re sowing outdoors, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Scatter the seeds over the soil and lightly press them in. Water gently to settle the soil around the seeds.
When working with seeds, always follow the seed label directions when sowing seeds.
Stem Cuttings
- Best Time: Late spring.
- Select Cuttings: Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few leaves at the top.
- Rooting Medium: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone if desired and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining mix.
- Provide Humidity: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a clear plastic dome to create a humid environment. Place it in indirect light.
- Transplanting: Once the cutting has rooted (in a few weeks to a couple of months), you can transplant it to its permanent location.
I’ve never propagated coreopsis plant this way, but know of others who have. For me, I’d rather divide or start them from seed.
Cutting Back Coreopsis to Get a Second Set of Blooms
Cutting back tickseed coreopsis to encourage a second set of blooms, also known as deadheading, is a straightforward process that can help prolong the flowering season and keep your plants looking tidy. I cut my coreopsis plants back about halfway through the season when the blooms start to fade.
Here’s how to do it.
Wait until the first round of blooms starts to fade and wilt. This is usually after the initial flowering burst, often in mid to late summer. By deadheading at the right time, you’re giving the plant a chance to redirect its energy into producing new blooms.
- Inspect the Plant: Go through your coreopsis plant and identify the faded and spent flowers that are starting to wilt.
- Cutting: Locate the stem just below the spent flower. Using your pruning shears or scissors, make a clean cut right above a set of healthy leaves or buds. Aim to cut the stem at a slight angle to discourage water pooling.
- Repeat: Continue this process for all the faded flowers throughout the plant. If there are any stems with a mix of spent and healthy flowers, you can trim just the faded ones and leave the healthy ones intact.
To keep your tickseed coreopsis looking its best and to encourage continuous blooming, you can repeat the deadheading process as needed throughout the growing season. Regularly removing spent flowers prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production, which encourages it to put more effort into producing new flowers instead.
Fall blooms can be left on the plant for winter interest if desired. The perennial tickseed looks pretty in my garden when it is snow-covered. In this case, I wait to cut plants back in early spring.
Coreopsis Varieties
Coreopsis is a diverse genus with numerous species and cultivated varieties, each offering a unique combination of colors, sizes, and growth habits. Here are some popular coreopsis varieties that you might consider for your garden:
- Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis): Features fine, thread-like foliage and profuse yellow, pink, or red daisy-like flowers. Varieties like ‘Moonbeam’ and ‘Zagreb’ are well-known for their delicate appearance and extended blooming periods.
- Coreopsis grandiflora (Large-Flowered Coreopsis): Known for its large, showy blooms that come in shades of yellow and gold. Varieties like ‘Sunfire’ and ‘Early Sunrise’ are popular choices for their vibrant flowers.
- Coreopsis tinctoria (Plains Coreopsis): A wildflower variety with bright yellow and maroon-red bicolor flowers.Often grown for its attractive, multi-colored blooms.
- Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis): A North American native with lance-shaped leaves and golden yellow flowers. Well-known varieties include ‘Sterntaler’ with maroon centers and ‘Goldfink’ for its compact growth.
- Coreopsis rosea (Pink Coreopsis): Unlike the more common yellow varieties, this one offers charming pink or pale pink flowers. ‘Nana’ is a popular pink variety.
- Coreopsis tripteris (Tall Coreopsis): Grows quite tall, reaching up to 6 feet in height, and produces yellow daisy-like blooms. Ideal for adding vertical interest to your garden.
- Coreopsis ‘Jethro Tull’: A unique and eye-catching variety with tubular, quill-shaped petals that resemble fireworks. It features golden-yellow flowers with red centers.
- Coreopsis ‘Red Satin’: A newer variety known for its deep red flowers with contrasting yellow centers. ‘Red Satin’ adds a bold and dramatic touch to your garden.
- Coreopsis ‘Golden Sphere’: This cultivar boasts round, double golden-yellow flowers that give the appearance of tiny pom-poms.Its compact size makes it suitable for containers and small gardens.
- Coreopsis ‘Lil’ Bang™’ Series: This series includes compact varieties like ‘Enchanted Eve’ and ‘Red Elf,’ each with distinct colors and compact growth habits, making them excellent for smaller spaces.
Native Tickseed Varieties include
- Golden tickseed (Coreopsis tinctoria)
- Lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)
- Star tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata)
Plants That Look Amazing With Coreopsis
If you aren’t sure what plants look good with coreopsis, I got you. There are lots of beautiful annuals, perennials, and shrubs you can plant with them, but here are some plant partner combinations that I’m drawn to.
- Lavender
- Nepeta
- Daylilies
- Smoketree
- Butterfly Weed
- Sedum Autumn Joy
- Bearded Iris
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Lantana
- Echinacea
- Blazing Star
- Monarda
- Agastache
FAQs About Coreopsis
- Does coreopsis spread? Yes, coreopsis can spread through self-seeding and rhizomes. To manage its spread, deadhead spent flowers, divide plants every few years, or choose less aggressive varieties.
- Is coreopsis invasive? While coreopsis can spread, it’s generally not considered invasive. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your local extension office for information on potentially invasive plants in your region.
- Does coreopsis attract ticks? Despite its name, coreopsis does not attract ticks. The name “tickseed” comes from the shape of the seed, which resembles a tick.
- Should coreopsis be cut back in the fall? In naturalistic gardens, leave coreopsis standing for winter interest and wildlife food. In harsher climates, cut back to prevent winter damage.
- Do you deadhead tickseed plants? Yes, deadheading encourages new blooms, maintains a neat appearance, and conserves the plant’s energy.
More About Growing and Enjoying Tickseed Flower
So, if you’re looking for a beautiful and beneficial addition to your garden, consider planting some native tickseed! You’ll be rewarded with stunning blooms, happy pollinators, and a garden that’s in harmony with its natural surroundings.
I’ve been growing tickseed in my flower gardens since the very beginning and have been adding new varieties yearly to expand my collection. Are you growing it yet? Will you be planting some this year? Let’s chat more about it in the comments below.
For more information about growing tickseed, please see this post from Cornell Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
Thank you for dropping by the blog today! Enjoy a beautiful day.
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