07/21/2024
Coreopsis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Common names include calliopsis and tickseed, a name based on what their seeds look like.
Coreopsis has more than 80 species and is valued for its summer-long golden yellow blooms and its low-maintenance qualities. Both grandiflora and verticillata varieties spread by rhizomes and are also self-seeding.
They can be grown in moist, well-draining soil but also do well in dry, rocky and sandy soils.
Plant in full sun but in areas with intense heat, they may do better with some afternoon shade.
To ensure blooms all summer long, deadhead spent blooms by snipping off the stem of the dead bloom. This will make the plant push out more blooms in an effort to make seeds to ensure its continued propagation.
Tickseed do not require fertilizer to bloom and thrive, though adding compost in the spring will keep the plants healthy.
They also have no problems with pests or diseases, but may have problems with mildew, especially in areas with high humidity.
There are some gorgeous and very different varieties available at your local garden centres.
1. Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise' — 'Early Sunrise' is a semi-double flowering cultivar that features yellow blooms earlier in the season. Bloom colors range from all shades of yellow, to orange, red and maroon.
2. Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray' — Double-flowering selection that has a compact habit and a long bloom time (two to three months).
3. Coreopsis 'Red Shift' — This coreopsis, part of the Big Bang series, is a chameleon. Its flowers are yellow with darker yellow/red centers throughout summer, but when fall comes and temperatures drop, the same flowers turn beautiful shades of red.
4. Coreopsis grandiflora 'Presto' — This coreopsis is a native plant, which means it's a snap to grow once it's established. 'Presto' improves upon the true native with 2-inch-wide blooms that are semi- or fully double. Pollinators LOVE this plant.
5. Coreopsis lanceolata — Lanceleaf coreopsis is a North American native perennial with golden blooms that open from summer into fall.
6. Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' — This all-around great perennial has creamy lemon-yellow flowers with lacy, fine-textured foliage. It reaches two feet tall, and is drought tolerant and low maintenance.
7. Coreopsis rosea ‘American Dream’ —which is a shorter growing variety Pink Tickseed also called Threadleaf coreopsis blooms from late spring to late summer with fine feathery foliage that spreads fast and great for planting en masse. It’s native to Eastern USA, where it naturally grows in wet, sandy soils. 'American Dream' Tickseed thrives in consistently moist, well-draining soil. It does not tolerate long periods of drought.
8. Coreopsis ‘Castello’ is a cute double-flowering Pom Pom variety. It has a compact, uniform habit with sturdy, upright branching. The large flowers are positioned above the foliage canopy to create a colorful presentation.
With so many varieties to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one you love! Or two!!
