Coreopsis is a flowering plant that blooms well from mid-summer through fall or until the first frost strikes. Its seeds have a similar appearance to ticks, and hence it is also called 'Tickseed'.
Sheeba Nambiar
Coreopsis or Tickseed belongs to a large plant family called 'Asteraceae' which includes Sunflower, Daisy, Aster and many more. About 80 species of coreopsis are found in North, South and Central America.
Coreopsis are perennial or annual depending on the variety. They grow in an open, wild environment, in prairies or open fields and by the roadside.
The hardiness of Coreopsis plant and its beautiful flowers that attract butterflies make it the best garden fencing. Moreover, they also are deer resistant and this is what makes it a great fencing choice for those who face deer problems in the garden.
How to Identify Coreopsis
Coreopsis flowers come in bright colours - yellow, red,pink, purple and orange.
Coreopsis leaves are oblong in shape, 2 to 4 inches in length that grow in the opposite direction from the stem.
Coreopsis size varies based on the age of the plant, species and growing conditions. A typical mature coreopsis' height ranges between 10 to 18 inches.
How To Grow Coreopsis?
Make sure you take a look at the pictures of coreopsis to know the different varieties and also check the hardiness of the species.
Online seed catalogues often offer the best collection.
Seed coreopsis in a patch of un-amended soil and in a location which has full sunlight.
Although some varieties of coreopsis do survive partial shade, sunlight is crucial for the seeds to germinate.
The seeds need water every day, for about 2-3 weeks until they germinate. Once it turns into a seedling, it needs deep watering once a week for proper root growth.
Coreopsis can grow well in any quality of soil and in fact also blooms in poor soil.
In case of a major decline in flowers, small amount of compost can be mixed with soil to help encourage flowering again.
Coreopsis Plant Care
Flowering may naturally slow down in 3 to 5 years and in this case, the plant can be divided or new seeds can be sowed for fresh blooms.
Deadheading the spent flowers or sometimes shearing can also help produce more flowers in the summer.
Once the coreopsis establish themselves and are in full bloom, they need very less water. It prefers dry weather, but can also survive occasional rains or wet weather.
Coreopsis are also self-sowing so unless the flowering considerably slows down or needs to be planted in a specific location, no need to replant them.
Since Coreopsis is particularly known to be the food for the caterpillars; and provides pollen and nectar for bees, wasps, flies and other insects, this flower species is an integral contributor to nature!