Large-flowered Tickseed

Coreopsis grandiflora (Zones 4–9) provides a prolific display of serrated, deep yellow blooms from late spring through mid-summer. Unlike common dwarf cultivars, this species offers a more robust profile while maintaining a neat basal rosette of foliage that stays low to the ground. This habit makes it an ideal choice for the front of a managed border or as a repeating soft edge along a walkway.

In the Southeast, this species is a documented resource for specialist mining bees and the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly. Due to this high ecological value, the National Wildlife Federation designates it a "Top 30 Native Host Plant for pollen specialists".

Site Care & Performance

This species is a reliable choice for the lean or clay soils provided they are well drained. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and performs best in full sun. To maintain a refined appearance and extend the flowering season into July, remove spent blooms regularly. A hedge trimmer works well for de-heading. Every two to three years, dividing the clumps in early spring will maintain plant vigor and prevent the center of the rosette from thinning.

Photo: "Plant" by Carl Lewis is licensed under CC BY 2.0.