Items 31 to 32 of 32 total
Items 31 to 32 of 32 total
Tickseed
Uses:
- Border Plant
- Container Gardens
- Mass Planting
Features:
- Long Blooming
- Attracts Pollinators
- Cut Flowers
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Tickseed, also known as Coreopsis, are flowering perennials known for their bright, daisy-like flowers from early summer to fall. Use in sunny locations in borders, wildflower gardens or in mixed perennial beds. These plants provide continuous color, attract pollinators, and are a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant option.
About Tickseed
Genus
Species
Family
Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis tinctoria, Coreopsis verticillata, Coreopsis grandiflora
Asteraceae
Common Names:
Coreopsis
Native To:
North and South America
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
Yellow, Pink, Red or Burgundy
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to early fall
Growth Habit:
Upright, bushy, mounded
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, insects
Tolerates:
Drought, Heat, Mild Frost
Resists:
Deer, Pests, Disease, Heat
How To Use Tickseed In The Garden
Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.) is a low-maintenance perennial known for its daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink. With over 80 species, it offers diverse options for gardeners. The plant's foliage varies from broad green leaves to finer, thread-like leaves, and it emits an anise-like scent. Tickseed flowers bloom from early summer to frost and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Position tickseed in sunny borders, surrounded by the spiky forms of salvia or liatris, and tuck in ornamental grasses to create a pleasing contrast in textures. Place compact cultivars at the front of beds or in containers, and reserve taller varieties for naturalized plantings or cottage-style gardens. Consider pairing these long-blooming perennials with other pollinator favorites so their spent flowers can later serve as a food source for finches and other seed-loving birds.
Tickseed Care
Tickseed, or Coreopsis, grows best in full sun, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant these perennials after the last spring frost in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Initially, water generously every few days to establish the plants; once established, they tolerate drought well and need watering only during extended dry periods. Fertilization isn't typically necessary, but if blooms are small or sparse, a light application of a balanced NPK fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial.
Pruning tickseed involves cutting stems down to the ground in early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season encourages continuous flowering. For winter care, leaving some stems can help insulate the plant's crown; applying a 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base provides additional root protection. When growing tickseed in containers, use pots at least 8 to 10 inches deep and wide with drainage holes, and place them in sunny locations.
Learn More About Tickseed
Tickseed Companion Plants
Give companions a bed that basks in full sun, drains freely yet never dries to powder, and receives an occasional soak to keep summer flowers coming. Smokebush rises behind the clumps, its hazy plumes and burgundy leaves supplying height and color long after coreopsis opens, while coneflower mirrors the daisy form so pollinators move seamlessly between discs. At ground level, daylily lends sturdy early blooms that bridge the season, and aromatic Russian sage threads silver-green foliage through the border, cooling the palette and luring beneficial insects all summer.
