Coreopsis rosea – Pink Tickseed

General Information: A unique pink-flowered species from a genus of otherwise yellow flowers. Native to sandy pine barrens along the Eastern North American coast. The radially symmetrical flowers of Pink Tickseed remain open quite long, blanketing the garden with a welcome assortment of pinks, greens, and yellows for months at a time. Each flower is actually a flower head, composed of numerous smaller flowers. The flowers situated around the circumference of each flower head sport long petal-like protrusions (known as ray florets) while those in the center, known as disc florets, provide the nectar and pollen and will eventually turn into seeds at maturity. Like some other members of Coreopsis, this species can flower for the duration of the summer and sometimes longer, often from June through September, although the most prolific blooms will usually be seen from late June through early August. The seedheads which are produced after flowering are a favorite food source for songbirds. Although Pink Tickseed is a shorter plant, the flowers bear a striking resemblance to Cosmos, making them a perfect perennial replacement. Pink Tickseed is unmatched in beauty as a ground cover, quickly spreading to fill in bare spots not only with color, but with nectar sources for local pollinators and a food source for birds.

Cultivation Details: There are numerous cultivars of this plant, however we offer the straight species. This plant is self-fertile. Only one is required to produce seeds. Pink Tickseed is known to reseed in the garden. Growers who wish to avoid reseeding should consider deadheading the spent flowers. Deadheading may encourage prolonged blooms. To encourage a fresh flush of fall blooms, hard prune the plants to the ground in early August. These plants also spread laterally at the root by rhizome. If spread is not desirable, they can be controlled by root pruning or by planting them in a large submerged pot. Otherwise, in areas where spread is desired, give these plants plenty of room to grow! A bright and cheery choice for mass plantings, rewilding, pollinator gardens, native plant gardens, cottage gardens, as a foundation planting, or as a specimen. Makes an ideal understory planting around trees and shrubs. Pink Tickseed will also grow suitably as a container plant, however root pruning is recommended to reduce the chances of the plants becoming root  bound. Whenever possible, container grown plants should be kept on the ground and protected from freezing in areas with harsh winters. Consider pairing Pink Tickseed with other selections from our “Attracts Wildlife” category.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun. Prefers sandy or loamy soils that are moist and well-draining, ideally soil that is consistently moist; will tolerate medium soil moisture. Dislikes clay soil. Grows in average garden soils. Does not tolerate very dry conditions.

Fun Facts: Unlike many common names of plants, “Pink Tickseed” is an appropriate translation of the binomial Coreopsis rosea. The word “Coreopsis” derives from Greek, meaning bug-like, while “rosea” means pink. True to fashion, the tiny seeds of plants in the genus Coreopsis resemble small insects. Perhaps this explains why birds love them so much!