Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Native perennial • Full-sun powerhouse • Pollinator magnet

Coreopsis (Tickseed) is a drought-tolerant, long-blooming native perennial prized for bright yellow blooms and nonstop pollinator activity. Excellent in formal beds, meadows, borders, and native pollinator gardens.

Light

• Full sun
  
  

• Minimum 6–8 hours
  
  

• Tolerates poor soils and heat extremely well
  
  

Shade causes floppy stems and fewer flowers.

 Water

• Moderate during establishment
  
  

• Drought tolerant after year 1
  
  

• Water deeply, infrequently
  
  

• Avoid constant sogginess
  
  

Overwatering = floppy growth + reduced bloom.

Soil

• Well-draining soil
  
  

• Sandy or rocky is great
  
  

• Avoid rich fertilizer soils (too lush = weak stems)
  
  

Perfect candidate for native, lean, poor soils.

Temperature & Zones

• USDA Zones 4–9
  
  

• Heat tolerant
  
  

• Handles southern summers extremely well
  
  

Blooming

• Summer to early fall
  
  

• Continual bloom with occasional deadheading
  
  

• Extremely high pollinator value:
  
  

  • butterflies
    
    

  • native bees
    
    

  • beneficial insects
    
    

 Growth Habit

• Upright clumps
  
  

• 12–24" tall depending on species
  
  

• Spreads slowly (not aggressive)
  
  

• Good longevity
  
  

• Cutting Back

• Shear midsummer to refresh bloom
  
  

• Trim dead stems in winter
  
  

• Divide every 3–4 years for vigor
  
  

Planting

Depth:

• Plant at existing soil level
  
  

Spacing:

• 12–18 inches depending on species
  
  

Best Landscape Uses

• Pollinator gardens
  
  

• Native meadow borders
  
  

• Roadside beds
  
  

• Cottage style borders
  
  

• Rock gardens
  
  

• Wildflower mixes
  
  

• Low-input landscapes
  
  

• Water-wise gardens
  
  

Tremendous choice for South Carolina native curb appeal.

Companion Plants

Pairs well with:

• Rudbeckia
  
  

• Liatris
  
  

• Monarda
  
  

• Coneflower (Echinacea)
  
  

• Solidago
  
  

• Asclepias
  
  

• Native grasses (little bluestem, etc.)
  
  

Native Value

Coreopsis species support numerous native pollinators and beneficial insects. The long bloom time creates a long nectar season.

⚠ Common Problems

Floppy stems

Too much shade or rich soil.

Powdery mildew

Crowded plantings with little airflow.

Poor bloom

Needs more sun or leaner soil.