Coreopsis
( koh - ree - OP - siss )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of annual and perennial flowering plants are commonly known as Tickseed or Calliopsis, and grow best in full sun with little to moderate water. These flowers will attract butterflies and bees to your garden and the seed pods that follow are a classic bird favorite. They are easy to grow, and bloom profusely in shades of yellow, orange, maroon and red. Most commonly sold species and varietals are native to the eastern and southern United States. Use Coreopsis in mixed beds for pops of color, in containers, or to line walkways.
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Coreopsis Species and Varietals
The genus Coreopsis includes between 80 and 100 species, and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. The best growing zones for Coreopsis vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Coreopsis auriculata (Lobed Tickseed, Mouse-Ear Tickseed) This perennial reaches between 4 and 12 inches tall at maturity, and bloom in April through June in their native range. Flowers are yellow to orange-yellow. Variety 'Nana' creates a mat about 5-6 inches tall, spreading by underground runners to 2 feet wide; it makes a great groundcover. |
Coreopsis basalis (Coreopsis wrightii) (Goldenmane Tickseed) This species produces yellow flowers with red centers, and is native to the southeastern and south-central areas of the United States. These bushy annuals reach 2 feet tall in just one season, and readily grow in open areas, disturbed soils, and wild landscapes. |
Coreopsis bigelovii (Bigelow Coreopsis, Bigelow's Tickseed) Endemic to California, this species is an annual and produces many flowering stems topped with solitary yellow flowers. Historically, this plant was consumed by the native Kawaiisu and Tubatulabal indigenous peoples of California, eaten raw or as a cooked vegetable. |
Coreopsis californica These plants are found growing naturally in dry habitats of California and Baja California, Mexico. This is an annual, herbaceous species that produces shows of yellow flowers from March through May, and reaches about a foot tall at maturity. These plants form a basal tuft of green foliage from which flower stems arise. |
Coreopsis gigantea (Giant Coreopsis) This woody perennial species is native to coastal areas in central and southern California as well as northern Baja California. The woody base of these plants is bare, foliage and flowers being produced only on newer growth. Blooms are yellow and emerge from spring through early summertime. These plants are sold as ornamentals by specialty nurseries, and are commonly planted in drought tolerant, native, and wildlife gardens. |
Coreopsis grandiflora (Large-Flowered Tickseed) This hardy perennial does best in zones 2-24, H1 and H2. It grows to 1-2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and has dark green foliage. Bright yellow flowers will bloom all summer on long, slender stems. Varieties include 'Flying Saucers' (2-inch wide yellow flowers), 'Sunburst' (with semi-double flowers that bloom in the first year and spread through self-sowing), 'Early Sunrise', and 'Sunray' (a dense, compact variety with double and semi-double flowers). |
Coreopsis hamiltonii (Mt. Hamilton Coreopsis) This rare species is endemic to California, specifically Mount Hamilton and the Diablo Range in the San Francisco Bay Area. These plants typically reach about 8 inches tall at maximum and produce bright golden-yellow flowers that flower from March through May. Foliage is deeply cut, and has a ferny look to it. |
Coreopsis Hybrids
This group includes both annuals and perennials, and have a wide range of flower colors and types. Perennial varieties grow best in zones 2a-24 and bloom in late spring through fall. Most get to around 2 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide, and do best with moderate water. Annuals include a wide variety of sizes and flower colors, and many of them can be treated as perennials in mild-winter areas in Southern California. Individual varieties are outlined below.
This group includes both annuals and perennials, and have a wide range of flower colors and types. Perennial varieties grow best in zones 2a-24 and bloom in late spring through fall. Most get to around 2 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide, and do best with moderate water. Annuals include a wide variety of sizes and flower colors, and many of them can be treated as perennials in mild-winter areas in Southern California. Individual varieties are outlined below.
'Autumn Blush'
Butter-yellow flowers with red centers that turn reddish-pink in cooler weather. Perennial. |
'Limerock Ruby'
Perennial variety with inch-wide ruby-red flowers. |
'Limerock Passion'
Lavender-pink flowers with yellow centers. Perennial. |
'Snowberry'
Perennial plant with creamy white flowers with red centers. |
'Sterntaler'
Flowers are yellow with a brown-red center. Perennial. |
'Tequila Sunrise'
Compact variety to 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide; flowers are golden yellow with orange-red centers. Variegated foliage. Perennial. |
'Citrine'
Bright yellow flowers, compact variety. Part of the 'Jewel' series. Perennial. |
'Ruby Frost'
Part of the 'Jewel' series, flowers are deep red edged in white. Perennial. |
'Garnet'
Part of the 'Jewel' series'; with red flowers. Perennial. |
'Little Penny'
Annual; compact variety (1 foot tall and 2 feet wide), with small copper-red blooms. |
'Punch' Series
Carries flowers in bright reds, oranges, yellows, and red/white bicolors. Annuals. |
'Lemonade' Series
Carries flowers in red, pink, or rose, and has feathery golden foliage. Annuals. |
Coreopsis integrifolia (Fringeleaf Tickseed, Mouse-Ear Tickseed) Native to Georgia, South Carolina, and northern areas of Florida, this species reaches 2 feet tall and produces yellow flower heads in spring and summertime. These plants are considered critically imperiled in their native range due to habitat destruction. |
Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Tickseed, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Lance-Leaved Coreopsis, Sand Coreopsis) This perennial species grows best in zones 1-24, H1 and H2. It reaches 1-2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide when mature, with hairy foliage and yellow blooms that appear in late spring and summer. The flowers are great for cut bouquets and fresh arrangements. This species has naturalized itself in Hawaii, and once well-established, will come back year after year in the landscape. |
Coreopsis latifolia (Broad-Leaved Tickseed) These plants reach up to 5 feet tall, and have larger leaves than many of the other species in the genus. Flowers are yellow, and bloom from August through September in their native range (the southeastern United States). This species is listed as vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss. |
Coreopsis leavenworthii (Leavenworth's Tickseed) These annual or short-lived perennial plants reach between 12 and 28 inches tall at maturity and bloom in May, June, and July in their natural habitat. This species is native to Florida and Alabama, and produces yellow flowers, sometimes with reddish-brown blotches towards the center. |
Coreopsis maritima (Sea Dahlia) This perennial grows best in zones 14-24 and is native to the coastline of Southern California. This species grows from a tuberous taproot, and leaves are somewhat succulent. Flowers are yellow and sit atop 9-12 inch stems and are great for fresh arrangements. Also good for borders. |
Coreposis nudata (Georgia Tickseed) This herbaceous perennial plant species is native to Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. These plants can sometimes reach up to 40 inches tall, making them amongst the tallest in the genus. Flowers are pink to purple in color. Georgia Tickseed prefers to grow in swamps, ditches and other disturbed areas, and in pine barrens. |
Coreopsis nuecensis (Crown Tickseed) This plant is native to Texas and Louisiana and can reach up to 20 inches tall at maturity. This is an annual herbaceous plant, with yellow flowers that have red markings towards the center. Crown Tickseed grows well in disturbed soils, sandy soils, and at the edges of woodland areas. |
Coreopsis pulchra (Showy Tickseed, Woodland Tickseed, Beautiful Tickseed) This species is native to Alabama, where it prefers to grow amongst rocky outcroppings. It is considered to be an imperiled species due to habitat destruction and climate change, and due to the fact that it has relatively narrow habitat requirements to survive. Yellow flowers bloom from June through September, and plants reach about 2 feet tall. |
Coreopsis rosea (Pink Tickseed)
This delicate-looking perennial blooms in summertime through fall, and has pink flowers with yellow centers. This species prefers moist soil and grows best in zones 2b-24. Gets to 1.5 to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Popularly grown garden varieties are outlined below:
This delicate-looking perennial blooms in summertime through fall, and has pink flowers with yellow centers. This species prefers moist soil and grows best in zones 2b-24. Gets to 1.5 to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Popularly grown garden varieties are outlined below:
Coreopsis tinctoria (Coreopsis bicolor) (Annual Coreopsis, Calliopsis, Plains Coreopsis, Golden Tickseed, Garden Tickseed) This annual grows best in zones 1-24, H1 and H2 and is native to North America. It has an upright habit, getting 1.5-3 feet tall and about half as wide. Stems are wiry, and both stems and leaves are smooth. Flowers bloom summer through fall and come in yellow, orange, maroon, bronze, and red and are banded with contrasting colors. Centers are purplish-brown. Available in dwarf and double-bloom varieties. Sow seeds in place in slightly moist soil. |
Coreopsis tripteris (Tall Tickseed, Tall Coreopsis, Atlantic Coreopsis) These plants reach up to 40 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and are native to eastern and central areas of the United States, as well as southeastern Canada. Flowers are yellow, and centers are dark brown to black. Naturally, these plants prefer to grow in streambanks and wet meadows where their roots stay moist for long periods of time. These plants are available at nurseries in their native range for sale as ornamental garden plants. |
Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) Perennial, grows best in zones 1-24. Reaches 2.5-3 feet tall and half as wide. Leaves are carried in a whorl pattern and yellow flowers bloom at stem tips from summer through fall. Varieties include 'Moonbeam' (1.5-2 feet tall with pale yellow flowers), 'Grandiflora' (with larger flowers than the species) and 'Zagreb' (1 foot tall with golden-yellow flowers). Very easy to grow, and tolerant of drought. |
Caring for Coreopsis
All Coreopsisplants need frequent deadheading to prolong bloom time and clean up the look of plants. These flowers tend to self-sow. They are best in well-drained soil.
Propagation
Both annual and perennial kinds of Coreopsis are easy to propagate. Annuals from seed and perennials from seed or division. Plants tend to self-sow.
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 260 - 261, Coreopsis
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