Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea 'Heaven's Gate')

Overview

Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’, commonly known as Tickseed, brings delicate color to the garden with its unique pink coloration, marking it as one of the few pink-flowering members of the genus. This herbaceous perennial forms airy, dense clumps valued for their fine texture and exceptionally long bloom period lasting from early summer into late summer. While it shares visual characteristics with the drought-hardy C. verticillata, this specific Tickseed cultivar requires consistent moisture to perform optimally. Gardeners prize Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ for its reliability in cool summer areas, where it offers excellent performance as a ground cover or accent plant.

This cultivar exhibits daisy-like flowers, measuring up to 1 1/2 inches across, typically showing rose pink petals accented by a darker rose-red ring surrounding a golden center. Unlike some related species, the foliage provides a light, almost feathery contrast to the blooms. Although generally low maintenance, gardeners should be aware that its rhizomatous habit can allow Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ to spread vigorously under ideal conditions. When properly sited, this Tickseed provides reliable seasonal interest without demanding intensive care.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Pink with purple eye
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ is best done in spring after the last frost, ensuring a medium moisture, well-drained soil location in full sun. Unlike many other Coreopsis species, this threadleaf variety exhibits very little drought tolerance and absolutely requires consistently moist soils to thrive throughout the growing season. Avoid placing it in heavy, compacted clay soils where drainage is poor, as this significantly increases the risk of crown rot.

Watering should be consistent, particularly during dry spells, to maintain soil moisture without allowing the area to become waterlogged. Maintenance is generally low. While prompt deadheading encourages repeat blooming, it can be tedious across a large swath; however, it helps prevent unwanted self-seeding. You can shear the plants back in late summer to tidy their appearance and potentially prompt a subsequent flush of rebloom as the season cools.

As established plants spread via rhizomes, they can form a dense ground cover, sometimes becoming quite vigorous. If the stems begin to mat or sprawl as summer progresses, especially in humid climates with heavy rain, a mid-season shearing helps rejuvenate the clump’s structure.

Landscape Uses

The airy foliage and extended blooming window make Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ highly versatile for various garden designs. Its relatively compact size, reaching under 1.5 feet tall, makes it an excellent choice for edging pathways, foundations, or borders where height control is important. Use this Tickseed to add continuous color accents in cottage gardens or native plant sections.

For naturalizing areas, this plant works well when allowed to spread, creating a soft, colorful ground cover. In mixed borders, pair Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ with plants that appreciate similar moisture levels, such as Ligularia or Astilbe, ensuring the soil remains adequately damp. Its fine texture contrasts beautifully with broad-leafed perennials. Furthermore, it performs admirably in containers, providing fine texture spillover when combined with taller annuals or structure plants.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Coreopsis rosea, which includes cultivars like ‘Heaven’s Gate’, is distinctive as one of the few pink-flowering members of the genus Coreopsis; its native habitat is characterized by wet, sandy coastal plain soils. It presents a fine-textured, airy look due to whorls of linear, grass-like leaves. Cultivar ‘Heaven’s Gate’ specifically features profuse blooms in shades of rose pink with darker centers, distinguishing it from its relatives. The common name Tickseed is derived from the bug-like shape of the plant’s seeds.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ generally resists serious insect or disease issues, allowing for low-maintenance enjoyment. The primary care consideration involves water management; crown rot is a significant risk if the plant is situated in perpetually moist or poorly drained heavy clay soils. Due to its origins, this Tickseed performs best in cooler summer regions. In the hot, humid conditions common in the deep South, flowering can become sparse, and the plant may look sparse or scraggly. Furthermore, weak stems are prone to sprawling and matting, especially following heavy summer rainfall, requiring that late-summer shearing for tidiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tickseed suitable for?

Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ is hardy and reliable in USDA Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ grow?

This perennial typically matures to a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Tickseed need?

For the best performance and most profuse blooming of its pink flowers, Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ requires full sun exposure.

When does Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ bloom?

This attractive Tickseed variety blooms heavily from June through August, displaying beautiful pink flowers that feature a distinct purple eye.

Conclusion

Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ is an invaluable addition to the garden, celebrated for its continuous summer bloom, fine texture, and deer resistance. Providing the consistent moisture it requires ensures a beautiful display of pink flowers, making this Tickseed a dependable performer in its suitable climate range. Always confirm your USDA Hardiness Zone before planting this specific pink-flowered cultivar to ensure its long-term success.

Companion Planting

When selecting neighbors for Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’, prioritize plants that share its preference for medium water needs and well-drained soil, especially avoiding plants requiring bone-dry conditions. Grouping it with salvias or catmint can create an attractive contrast in texture while maintaining similar cultural needs. Because this Tickseed is rhizomatous and can spread, use it alongside robust companions that won’t be overwhelmed by its clumping nature. It integrates beautifully into mixed perennial borders where consistent summer moisture can be guaranteed.

Design Ideas

The airy habit of this Tickseed allows it to soften hard lines beautifully. Use Coreopsis rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ near the front of a border to blend taller elements into the foreground without creating a visual block. Its fine, thread-like leaves contrast sharply with bold foliage, such as Hostas (provided the Hosta location receives enough sun), or dark purple foliage plants like dark Heuchera. In rock gardens, where drainage is inherently good, even if the soil is shallow, this plant can thrive, letting its low mounds spill over the stone edges.