Lobed tickseed
Coreopsis auriculata · Asteraceae
📷 Dr. Thomas G. Barnes - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around lobed tickseed and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate
- Flowering
- April to October, peaks in summer
- Adult size
- 12 to 24 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches spread
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -4°F
- Origin
- North America (United States)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, not too rich
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose modérément une à deux fois par semaine en période de croissance, mais réduis drastiquement dès l'automne : la plupart des Coreopsis meurent d'excès d'eau hivernale, pas de sécheresse. Coupe les fleurs fanées toutes les deux semaines pour relancer la floraison pendant trois à quatre mois.
The common mistake
Le piège classique est de croire que plus tu arroses, mieux elle se porte : les racines pourrissent rapidement en sol mouillé, surtout en automne-hiver. Elle préfère nettement la sécheresse temporaire à l'humidité constante.
The pro's trick
Paille légèrement le pied en été pour conserver de l'humidité racinaire sans créer un microclimat humide, et mulch moins en hiver. Si la floraison s'essouffle mi-juillet, rabats-la d'un tiers : elle redémarrera avec des fleurs fraîches en trois semaines.
Seasonal watch
En hiver ou automne très pluvieux, surveille l'asphyxie racinaire : si les feuilles jaunissent malgré un sol qui paraît « normal », cela signifie pourriture. À l'inverse, en plein été sec, elle peut faner rapidement si le sol s'assèche complètement en quelques jours : un bon équilibre entre drainage parfait et arrosages légers reste la clé.
Care
Sunlight
Place your Coreopsis in full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily for abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less profusely. Avoid overly shaded areas that may slow its growth.
Watering
Water moderately, especially during the first year of establishment. Once well-rooted, the plant is very tolerant of drought. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings and reduce watering in fall and winter.
Soil and Drainage
Plant it in well-draining, light soil that is rather poor or moderately fertile. Overly rich soils promote foliage at the expense of flowering. If your soil is heavy, lighten it with sand or gravel.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch young stems in spring to encourage branching and a bushy shape. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend blooming until frost. Light pruning in late winter prepares the plant for the new season.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not essential. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would produce too much foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and Diseases
Coreopsis is robust and rarely affected by pests. In overly wet soil, it can develop powdery mildew or root rot. Ensure good drainage and provide proper air circulation to plantings to minimize risks.
Did you know?
Coreopsis auriculata is nicknamed 'flower-tickseed' in English because its seeds have fine appendages resembling tiny legs that cling to clothing and animal fur for dispersal. Long used in English and American gardens, this small hardy perennial is an essential classic for easy flower beds.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.