Everything about the Coreopsis Plant

Coreopsis

Common Name: Tickseed, calliopsis

Latin Name: Coreopsis spp.

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Time: -

Mature Size: 2–4 ft. tall

Sun Preference: Full sun

Soil Preference: Sandy, well-drained soil with Neutral to Acidic pH levels

Bloom Time: Summer, fall

Flower Color: White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink

Native Area: North America, Central America, South America

Toxicity: -

Growth Rate: -

Wildlife Value: -

Table of Contents

Coreopsis, often called tickseed, is a vibrant, easy-to-grow plant that fills gardens with colorful blooms. These cheerful, daisy-like flowers come in shades of yellow, pink, red, and orange, making them a favorite among gardeners. Not only are they beautiful, but coreopsis is also super low-maintenance and attracts helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies.

This plant thrives in full sun and can handle tough conditions like heat and drought. Whether you’re planting it for a pop of color or to create a pollinator-friendly garden, coreopsis is a great choice. It’s easy to grow from seeds or by dividing mature plants, and with a little care, you’ll enjoy its bright flowers throughout the summer.

Popular Coreopsis Varieties

Coreopsis

Care

  • Water: Coreopsis is drought-tolerant, so it doesn’t need a ton of water, but flowers best if you don’t keep it thirsty for long. Let the soil dry between waterings and only give it more if the plant starts to look droopy.
  • Light: Coreopsis loves sunshine! It thrives in full sunlight, so make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Less sun hurts flowering, remember that.
  • Soil: This plant isn’t too picky but prefers well-drained soil. Sandy or rocky soil works well, but just make sure it doesn’t get soggy because the roots can rot.
  • Temperature: Coreopsis does well in warm weather and can handle both heat and humidity. It can even tolerate light frosts, making it a hardy plant for different climates.

Planting & Growing

You can grow coreopsis from seeds or by dividing mature plants.

  • To divide, dig up the plant in spring or early fall, split it into smaller sections, and replant them in well-drained soil. If you’re starting from seeds, plant them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden after frost is gone.
  • Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and keep the soil moist. Seeds usually sprout in 2 to 3 weeks. Slowly get indoor seedlings used to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden. Keep new plants well-watered until they’re growing strong.

Pruning

Pruning coreopsis helps it bloom more and keeps it looking tidy. The best time to prune is right after the flowers fade. If you have a big bunch of coreopsis, you can shear them back in mid to late summer to encourage new blooms in the fall.

For varieties like thread leaf coreopsis and Coreopsis grandiflora, cutting them back by half helps stop them from getting too tall and boosts a second round of flowers. Want more detailed tips on pruning coreopsis? Check out our full guide below!

Common Pests

Coreopsis is pretty resistant to pests, but you might still spot these from time to time:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does coreopsis grow best?

Coreopsis needs full sun, so plant it where it can soak up 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. It prefers well-drained soil, so avoid areas that stay soggy or waterlogged.

How to keep coreopsis blooming?

Cut off dead flowers (deadhead) to help it keep blooming longer. You can also trim the plant and pair it with companions to encourage more blooms.

Is coreopsis an annual or perennial?

Coreopsis can be both! Some varieties live for one year (annual), while others can grow back every year (perennial).

Is coreopsis a long-lived plant?

Perennial coreopsis usually has a shorter life, but you can help it last longer by giving it the right conditions and dividing the plants. There’s also the annual type that only blooms for one season.

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