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Coreopsis

Coreopsis

The Golden Workhorse: Unstoppable Summer Color with Coreopsis


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Tickseed, Coreopsis, Pot of Gold

  • Scientific Name: Coreopsis spp.

  • Origin: Native primarily to North and Central America

  • Hardiness: Zones 3 – 9 (Varies by species)

  • The "Vibe": Sunny, energetic, and remarkably resilient; the "smiling face" of the summer border.

Why We Love It

Coreopsis is the ultimate "low-demand, high-reward" plant. It is one of the longest-blooming perennials in the trade, often starting in early summer and continuing until the first frost if deadheaded. They are incredibly versatile, ranging from the delicate, airy textures of the thread-leaf varieties to the bold, broad foliage of the classic meadow types. They are famously drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and nearly immune to the pests that plague other garden favorites.


Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact

  • Pollinator Pantry: The open, flat faces of the flowers make nectar easily accessible to a huge variety of pollinators, including honeybees, native leafcutter bees, and syrphid flies.

  • Bird Seed Bank: The name "Tickseed" comes from the small, dark seeds that resemble ticks. These seeds are a high-protein favorite for Goldfinches and other small songbirds in the fall.

  • Butterfly Support: It is a nectar source for many butterflies, including Skippers, Coppers, and the Common Buckeye.

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The "Front-of-Border" Fringe: Use dwarf varieties like 'Nana' or 'Early Sunrise' to create a consistent, low-growing ribbon of gold along a garden path.

  • Meadow Mix-Ins: Combine taller species like C. lanceolata with Blue Grama Grass or Little Bluestem for a rugged, beautiful prairie aesthetic.

  • Curb Appeal Champions: Because they handle reflected heat so well, they are the perfect choice for planting along driveways or sidewalks.

Designer Pro-Tip: Coreopsis can sometimes look a little "messy" after a month of heavy blooming. To keep them looking nursery-fresh, give the whole plant a "light haircut" with garden shears in mid-July. Remove about the top 20% of the plant (including spent blooms). It will look clean immediately and be covered in brand-new flowers within two weeks.


Stories from the Garden

"I have a rocky slope where the sun beats down all day. I planted some Coreopsis 'Zagreb' five years ago and haven't touched them since. They turn into a solid block of gold every June. It's the most reliable plant in my entire yard."

— Diane P., Zone 5 Gardener


A Growing Story: The Goldfinch Feast

One of our customers decided not to deadhead her Coreopsis at the end of the summer. By October, the flowers had turned into dark little seeds. She said that for two weeks, her garden was filled with bright yellow Goldfinches clinging to the stems to eat the seeds. She realized the plant wasn't just beautiful for her, but a "restaurant" for the birds!

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