Genus Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams' Photo/Illustration: Virginia Small
kor-ee-OP-sis Common Name: Tickseed
Coreopsis is a genus of  low-maintenance perennials from prairies and woodlands of North America and Central Asia. Daisy-like blooms in yellow, orange, or pink are long lasting and occur on carefree plants. Some species have fine, ornamental foliage.
Noteworthy characteristics: Most species flower in their first year from seed. The long lasting flowers may be prolonged by deadheading, and they are great for cutting. They are also attractive to bees.
Care: Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Stake the taller species as needed.
Propagation: Sow seed of annuals in situ, perennials in mid-late winter; divide in early spring.
Problems: Slugs, snails, bacterial spot, rust, Botrytis flower blight, aster yellows, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and fungal spots.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Coreopsis

Coreopsis auriculata Coreopsis auriculata
(Eared coreopsis)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Large golden-yellow blossoms are borne in late spring and midsummer on top of stems reaching almost 3 feet high. Native to the southeastern U.S.

Coreopsis grandiflora
(Large-flowered tickseed)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

As the name implies, this species bears large, daisy-like blossoms (2.5 inches across) of golden yellow rays and darker yellow centers. It blooms from late spring to late summer and is native to the central and southeastern U.S.

Coreopsis grandiflora 'Baby Sun' Coreopsis grandiflora 'Baby Sun'
(Tickseed)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

A multitude of 2-inch, golden-yellow daisy flowers sits atop thready foliage from late spring to late summer if deadheaded promptly. This clump-forming perennial is native to the central and southeastern U.S. It is sometimes grown as an annual. It makes a beautiful cut flower, and its casual habit makes it valuable in cottage gardens, borders, containers, and meadows.

Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray' Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray'
(coreopsis, 'Sunray' tickseed)
(4 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Sunray' coreopsis has double to semi-double yellow flowers that begin blooming in late spring and continue throughout the summer. The species is native to the central and southeastern U.S. Flowers are good for cutting. Use in beds and borders or in containers.

Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis lanceolata
(Lance-leaved coreopsis)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Solitary yellow petals with toothed edges and flat, yellow centers open from early to late summer. Native to the central and southern U.S.

Coreopsis rosea Coreopsis rosea
(Tickseed)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This plant bears a profusion of lavender-pink flowers with yellow centers from mid-summer to early autumn. This perennial has finely textured leaves that give it an airy appearance.

Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams' Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams'
(Tickseed)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The bicolored, white-tipped and raspberry-centered blooms are large (1 to 1.5 inches across) and long lasting. Flowers cover the mound of grassy foliage for weeks in summer and early fall. This hybrid does not produce seed.

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’
(Thread-leaved tickseed)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Moonbeam' produces star-like blossoms of pale yellow from late spring into autumn. This cultivar is widely used because the refreshing tint of yellow compliments so many colors. The finely textured foliage adds interest all season long.

Corepsis verticillata ‘Zagreb' Corepsis verticillata ‘Zagreb'
(Thread-leaved tickseed)
(2 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Zagreb' produces star-like blossoms in egg-yolk yellow in early summer on plants 12 inches tall and wide. The sturdy, upright stems and finely textured foliage add delicate texture to the garden.