Wildflower/Perennial
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis grandiflora · Asteraceae
Also called: Tickseed, Large-flowered Tickseed, Pot-of-gold
Coreopsis (Tickseed) (Coreopsis grandiflora) is a low-water wildflower/perennial well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It's a fast-growing wildflower/perennial.
Coreopsis (Tickseed) at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light afternoon shade in summer.
- Mature size
- About 1-2 ft tall and 1-1.5 ft wide
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Bloom
- Golden yellow, sometimes with maroon/red centers depending on variety, Spring through early summer, with reblooming if deadheaded/sheared (roughly March-June, sporadic into fall).
- Cold hardiness
- Cold-hardy perennial; tolerates Tucson winters and frost easily (9a-9b). May be short-lived (2-3 years) but often self-sows.
- Soil
- Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy, rocky, alkaline soils. Avoid wet, heavy ground.
- Native range
- Native to the south-central and southeastern United States; not native to the Sonoran Desert
- Best used as
- Perennial/wildflower borders, Pollinator gardens, Mass color, Cut flowers, Naturalized meadow plantings, Containers
- Wildlife
- Excellent nectar/pollen source for butterflies and bees; seeds feed birds (including finches). Deer-resistant.
- Toxicity
- Considered non-toxic to humans and pets; not listed as toxic.
How to grow Coreopsis (Tickseed) in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply but infrequently (every 7-10 days in summer heat, less in cooler months). Overwatering shortens its life and causes flop.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Light feeder; minimal fertilizer needed. A light spring feeding is plenty; rich soil and excess nitrogen produce floppy growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning & care
Deadhead regularly to extend bloom; shear the whole plant back by about a third after the main flush to encourage rebloom. Cut back tired foliage in late season.
Notes
Easy, cheerful low-water perennial for Tucson sun. Plant in fall or early spring; best treated as a spring/early-summer bloomer, shearing after the first flush for repeat bloom. Self-sows readily and pairs well with other low-water perennials.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Pima County Master Gardeners; AMWUA low-water-use plant resources