Coreopsis verticillata  
Garden Plant Information

Coreopsis verticillata

 

Name

Coreopsis verticillata (also called Tickseed)

Genus  

Coreopsis

Species

verticillata

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Hardy, deciduous, herbaceous perennial grown for its masses of yellow daisy-like flowers borne from summer to autumn and for its finely cut green foliage. Useful for wildlife gardens, cottage gardens and mixed borders.

 

There is also a pale creamy yellow variety of this plant, Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam', which is quite lovely.

 

Coreopsis is attractive to beneficial insects such as bees and hoverflies.

 

Season of interest

Flowers from summer to autumn.

Key horticultural features

  1. Habit - upright, bushy. H: 60cm S: 30cm

  2. Stem - slender, straight, smooth, dark green.

  3. Leaves - very finely divided, dark green.

  4. Flowers - daisy-like, bright yellow, eight petals, approx 2.5cm across.

 

Cultural details

Aspect

Sun to partial shade.

Soil

Light and well drained.

Hardiness

Hardy.

Maintenance

Cut back after first flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers in autumn. Don't feed regularly as this will prompt foliage growth rather than flowers.

 

When I first planted Coreopsis verticillata I came out one morning to find that all the flower buds, that were just on the verge of opening, had been neatly nipped off. I cannot be not sure, but I strongly suspect it was rabbits.

Propagation

Divide dormant plants, take basal cuttings, or sow seed in spring.