Mercury Rising Tickseed

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

Mercury Rising Tickseed is a hardy perennial that requires little care and provides intense color in a garden bed or container. Vibrant dark red flowers have eight velvety petals that slightly curve and surround bright golden yellow centers. The 2-inch flowers bloom from early summer through early fall, and after a quick trim, the plants may bloom a second time, with flowers lasting until the frost. The blooms withstand the summer heat and bright sun and look fantastic all season long. The flowers grow on long, well-branched stems and feature narrow green foliage.

This clump-forming plant is a vigorous grower and will gradually spread out. Feature the Mercury Rising Tickseed in mass plantings, beds, borders, or containers. Trim the long stems and use the blooms as cut flowers. While this plant prefers a good spot and consistent care, it can still do very well in challenging conditions. The Mercury Rising Tickseed is cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and not favored by deer. Let the blooms go to seed at the end of the season to attract songbirds. This plant grows as a perennial in USDA zones 5 through 9

Mercury Rising Tickseed Care

The Mercury Rising Tickseed prefers full sun but will still look lovely with partial shade. Consider planting in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade when grown in a warm climate. Soil should be neutral to acidic, loamy, or sandy and moist but still promote drainage. Established plants will need water once a week, and while this plant is drought-tolerant, giving it an extra drink during dry spells will keep it looking its best.

Cut the growth back around midsummer after the first flush of flowers has died back to rejuvenate growth and possibly get another round of blooms. Tickseed is not a heavy feeder, but apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer in the spring to start the growing season strong. Divide the plants every few years in the early spring before new growth emerges.

Mercury Rising Tickseed Spacing

Mercury Rising Tickseed is an upright, clump-forming plant that will grow 15 to 18 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches. Plants can be spaced 24 to 30 inches apart to create a lush planting or give them more room, and the plants will gradually fill in after several years.