Coreopsis (Tickseed) Ultimate Growth and Care Guide

Coreopsis, often called Tickseed, is a bright and cheerful perennial loved for its abundant, daisy-like blooms that light up the garden from spring through fall. Its resilience, long flowering season, and ability to thrive in poor soils make it a favorite among both beginner and experienced gardeners. With dozens of varieties in vibrant yellows, reds, and bi-colors, Coreopsis brings dependable color and effortless charm to any landscape.

In this plant guide, you’ll learn everything you need to grow, care for, and enjoy Coreopsis in your garden. From ideal sunlight and soil needs to maintenance tips and top varieties, this guide gives you the confidence to help your Coreopsis thrive.

By: Reggie Meehan (11/26/2025)

Introduction to Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis, commonly known as Tickseed, is a hardy and versatile perennial celebrated for its bright, daisy-like blooms that bring cheer and color to any garden. From classic yellow varieties like Lanceleaf Coreopsis to striking red cultivars such as Coreopsis Mercury Rising, these sun-loving plants are prized for their long-lasting flowers and ability to thrive in various conditions. Belonging to the Asteraceae family and native to North and South America, Coreopsis offers a wide range of colors, including white/cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, and bicolor forms, making it a dynamic addition to any landscape.

With its long bloom season, drought tolerance, and adaptability, Coreopsis is an excellent choice for enhancing borders, wildflower gardens, and pollinator habitats. Varieties like Coreopsis Moonbeam provide reliable color year after year, while annual types such as Plains Coreopsis are perfect for seasonal displays. Whether planted as a feature in a cottage garden or as part of a naturalistic meadow, Tickseed’s vibrant blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, adding both beauty and ecological value to your outdoor spaces.

I first planted Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ in my sunny border, and its delicate yellow flowers brought a lovely, airy feel to the space. It’s now a staple in my garden, thanks to its low-maintenance nature and pollinator-friendly blooms. The soft, thread-like foliage stays tidy all season, and the flowers keep coming without the need for deadheading. Even through heat and drought, ‘Moonbeam’ continues to shine, making it one of the most reliable and rewarding perennials I’ve ever grown.

Characteristics of Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis, commonly called Tickseed, is a resilient and visually striking plant known for its vibrant, showy flowers and low-maintenance nature. Its adaptability to a wide range of conditions, including poor soils and drought, makes it a reliable favorite for gardeners of all skill levels. In addition to its ease of care, Coreopsis provides long-lasting color and attracts pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens, borders, and meadows. Whether grown as an annual or perennial, its cheerful blooms and hardiness ensure that Coreopsis remains a staple in garden landscapes.

Size and Growth Habit

Coreopsis plants typically range from 12 to 36 inches tall, with some dwarf varieties staying compact while others grow taller and more upright. The plant’s clumping or upright growth habit is versatile, making it well-suited for mixed borders, cottage gardens, or wildflower meadows. Its tidy shape allows it to blend seamlessly with other perennials and annuals, while its slender stems and airy foliage add a soft, naturalistic touch to garden designs. Taller varieties can serve as eye-catching focal points, while shorter types are ideal for edging pathways or filling in gaps in flower beds.

Leaves and Flowers

Coreopsis foliage varies depending on the species, with some varieties featuring finely divided, thread-like leaves, such as Coreopsis verticillata, and others displaying broader, lance-shaped leaves, like Coreopsis grandiflora. The foliage is typically green and unobtrusive, serving as a subtle backdrop that allows the plant’s bold flowers to take center stage. The leaves’ delicate or simple forms add texture to the garden without overwhelming other plants.

The daisy-like blooms of Coreopsis are its standout feature, appearing in a dazzling array of colors, including classic sunshine white/cream, yellow, vibrant orange, deep red, soft pink, and striking bicolor patterns. Flowers grow on tall, slender stems, often swaying gracefully in the breeze, which adds movement and visual interest to the garden. Coreopsis blooms profusely throughout the growing season, with some varieties flowering from early summer to late fall. Deadheading spent flowers encourages even more blooms, ensuring the plant’s beauty endures over many months.

Is Coreopsis Annual or Perennial?

Coreopsis includes both annual and perennial varieties, providing options for different climates and garden needs. Perennial types, such as Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) and Coreopsis grandiflora, are hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and return reliably year after year, often spreading gently to fill spaces. Annual varieties, like Coreopsis tinctoria (Plains Coreopsis), complete their life cycle in one growing season but are highly valued for their ability to self-seed, creating naturalized drifts of color in wildflower gardens. This duality makes Coreopsis a versatile plant that can adapt to various gardening styles and climates.

Best Varieties of Coreopsis (Tickseed) TESTED

These Coreopsis varieties are popular for their vibrant flowers and reliable performance:

Best Variety #1: Coreopsis Moonbeam

A perennial favorite, Moonbeam features pale yellow, delicate flowers and a compact growth habit, making it ideal for borders and containers.

Best Variety #2: Coreopsis Zagreb

Known for its bright golden-yellow flowers and fine-textured foliage, Zagreb is a long-blooming perennial that thrives in sunny locations.

Best Variety #3: Coreopsis Mercury Rising

This striking variety boasts deep red blooms with a yellow center, adding a dramatic touch to gardens and pollinator habitats.

Best Variety #4: Coreopsis Early Sunrise

A classic variety, Early Sunrise features semi-double, bright yellow flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the summer.

How to Grow & Care for Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis, or Tickseed, is a low-maintenance, sun-loving plant that offers months of colorful blooms with minimal effort. Known for its adaptability and drought tolerance, Coreopsis is a reliable choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant flowers to borders, wildflower gardens, or containers. By following a few simple care practices, you can enjoy a thriving display of this cheerful plant all season long.

Planting Coreopsis

Sow Coreopsis seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks beforehand to get a head start on the growing season. Space plants 12–18 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow and room for growth, which helps prevent disease and crowding. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil to keep the plant’s roots healthy and promote abundant blooms. For perennial varieties, planting in early spring or fall allows roots to establish before extreme temperatures set in. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil at planting time boosts fertility and improves drainage, especially in less-than-ideal conditions.

Sunlight Requirements

Coreopsis thrives in full sun, requiring 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. While the plant can tolerate partial shade, its bloom production may decrease significantly in less sunny locations. In gardens with variable light conditions, placing Coreopsis in the sunniest spots ensures its daisy-like flowers remain vibrant and plentiful throughout the growing season.

Soil Requirements

Coreopsis prefers well-draining soil and is particularly tolerant of sandy or rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for less fertile areas. Although it can survive in poor soil, enriching the planting area with compost or organic matter encourages healthier growth and more prolific blooming. The plant thrives in a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0–7.0. Avoid heavy clay soils, as they retain excess moisture and increase the risk of root rot.

Watering Needs

Water Coreopsis regularly during the first few weeks after planting to help the plant establish strong roots. Once mature, the plant is highly drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as Coreopsis prefers slightly dry conditions and can suffer from root rot if kept in consistently wet soil. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering in hotter climates.

Fertilizer Needs

Coreopsis is not a heavy feeder and thrives with minimal fertilization. At planting time, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support root and foliage development. During the growing season, a light application of fertilizer once a month encourages more blooms, especially in poorer soils. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

Regular deadheading of spent blooms is essential for continuous flowering throughout the season. Removing faded flowers redirects the plant’s energy toward producing new blooms rather than setting seeds. In midsummer, cutting back the plant by one-third can encourage fresh growth and a second wave of flowers. At the end of the season, perennial Coreopsis can be cut back to the ground or left standing to provide winter interest and shelter for beneficial insects.

Overwintering

Perennial Coreopsis varieties are hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and require little care to survive winter. In colder regions, apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the plant’s base to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. Annual Coreopsis varieties will die back after the first frost but often self-seed, ensuring their return in the following growing season.

Common Pests

Coreopsis is relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or strong sprays of water to dislodge pests. Maintaining healthy plants through proper care minimizes the risk of severe pest problems.

Common Diseases

Coreopsis is susceptible to a few diseases, including powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew, a fungal disease, occurs in humid conditions and appears as a white coating on leaves. Ensure proper spacing for airflow and avoid overhead watering to reduce its occurrence. Root rot results from poorly drained soil or overwatering, emphasizing the importance of well-draining planting conditions. Leaf spot, characterized by discolored patches on foliage, can be mitigated by removing affected leaves and avoiding water splashes on the plant.

Common Mistakes

Overwatering is a frequent mistake when growing Coreopsis, leading to root rot and weakened plants. Planting in heavy shade can also reduce flowering, as the plant requires full sun for optimal performance. Another common oversight is neglecting to deadhead spent blooms, which reduces the plant’s ability to produce flowers continuously. By addressing these issues, gardeners can ensure healthy, long-lasting displays.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception about Coreopsis is that it only grows in warm climates, but many perennial varieties are cold-hardy and thrive in USDA Zones 4–9. Another myth is that Tickseed is invasive; while it can self-seed freely, most varieties are well-behaved and easy to manage with regular care. Finally, some believe Coreopsis has a short blooming period, but with proper maintenance, it can provide vibrant flowers from early summer through fall.

Using Coreopsis in the Garden

Coreopsis is a highly versatile plant that brings vibrant color, texture, and ecological value to a wide range of garden styles. Its cheerful, daisy-like blooms and long-lasting flowering period make it a favorite for enhancing borders, wildlife habitats, and naturalized spaces. Whether used to attract pollinators, complement mixed plantings, or add splashes of color to wildflower meadows, Coreopsis is a reliable and rewarding addition to any garden.

Pollinator-Friendly Gardens

Coreopsis is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it a must-have for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its nectar-rich blooms provide a vital food source throughout the growing season, supporting pollinator activity from early summer to fall. Planting Coreopsis alongside other pollinator-friendly species like echinacea, black-eyed susans, and salvias creates a vibrant, buzzing habitat that benefits the ecosystem while adding visual interest to the garden. The plant’s drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements make it an easy choice for gardeners looking to support local wildlife without adding to their workload.

Mixed Plantings

Coreopsis’s bright, daisy-like flowers bring a burst of color and energy to mixed plantings. The plant pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass or blue fescue, and other sun-loving perennials like daylilies, yarrow, or lavender, creating dynamic, layered plantings. Its upright or clumping growth habit adds structure to garden beds, while its vibrant blooms create eye-catching contrasts with softer foliage textures. Coreopsis’s long blooming period ensures that borders remain lively and colorful throughout the growing season, providing continuity and harmony in garden design.

Garden Borders

Coreopsis is a natural fit for garden borders thanks to its tidy, mounding habit and long season of bright, cheerful blooms. It fills in gaps beautifully, creating a continuous ribbon of color that ties a border together from early summer through fall. Because it pairs effortlessly with grasses, salvias, coneflowers, and other sun-loving perennials, it blends seamlessly into mixed perennial borders without overpowering neighboring plants. Its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature also make it an easy, reliable choice for gardeners who want lasting impact with minimal upkeep.

Coreopsis Lights Up Borders

Looking to grow Coreopsis in your garden? At Garden Delivery, we offer top-quality Coreopsis plants—commonly known as Tickseed—loved for their cheerful, daisy-like blooms and long-lasting performance. These sun-loving perennials light up garden beds with bright yellow, gold, pink, or red blooms from early summer through fall, attracting pollinators and bringing continuous color with minimal effort. Coreopsis thrives in hot, dry conditions and is perfect for borders, wildflower gardens, and cottage-style landscapes. With varieties like the airy ‘Moonbeam’ or bold ‘Zagreb,’ you’ll find the right look for any sunny space. Add Coreopsis to your garden today for season-long color, resilience, and pollinator appeal.