Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Autumn Blush')

Overview

Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ is a stunning hybrid Tickseed celebrated for its prolonged bloom period, delivering color from early summer well into the fall. This variety features striking daisy-like flowers, typically displaying peachy-yellow rays with distinct red centers that intensify the seasonal appeal. As a tough herbaceous perennial, Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ thrives in bright light and well-drained conditions, making it an excellent, low-effort addition to many landscape designs.

This adaptable plant forms a neat mound, providing consistent texture with its narrow green foliage, which is often avoided by deer. Its ability to tolerate heat, humidity, and drought once established confirms its status as a reliable performer in hot summer gardens across zones 4 through 9. Gardeners value Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ for its robust flowering habits and minimal cultural demands.

The genus name, Tickseed, refers humorously to the shape of its seeds, though this hybrid is reportedly sterile, meaning unwanted self-seeding is not a concern. Enjoy the prolific display of this low-maintenance Tickseed throughout the growing season, knowing this perennial adds cheer without demanding constant attention.

Fast Facts

Plant Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2.5 ft
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Peachy-yellow rays with red center
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Water Needs: Dry to medium
Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal performance, plant Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ in spring or fall in a location that receives full sun. These Tickseed varieties require well-drained soil; they tolerate dry to medium soil moisture levels, making them perfect for rock gardens or areas where water conservation is important. Avoid heavy, soggy clay, as poor drainage is the primary factor leading to crown rot.

Maintenance for Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ is generally low. Water sparingly once established, relying on the plant’s natural drought tolerance. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if the soil drains properly and receives adequate sunlight. Plants may sprawl slightly, especially in humid climates combined with heavy summer rain.

To ensure continuous blooming and maintain a tidy shape, lightly shear the plants in mid to late summer. This pruning encourages fresh growth and prompts a strong flush of fall color. Clumps of this perennial Tickseed can be divided in the spring every few years to maintain vigor, though self-seeding is not an issue because Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ is sterile.

Landscape Uses

Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ excels near walkways and borders due to its manageable height of 1.5 to 2 feet and appealing mounding habit. It is highly effective as a border front plant, neatly disguising the bare ankles of taller shrubs or perennials. This Tickseed is also an outstanding choice for adding reliable, long-season color to naturalized areas and cottage gardens where formality is not required.

Consider using this drought-tolerant perennial in patio containers, either as a thriller or as a filler element that cascades slightly over the edge. The resilience of Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ to poor, dry soils makes it ideal for challenging spots in the landscape. It pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, low-water plants like ornamental grasses, Sedum, or Russian Sage.

In areas designated as informal or wild gardens, allow the Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ to intermingle freely, appreciating its ability to thrive without rich amendments. Its bright summer and fall flowers attract beneficial insects, further enhancing its role in sustainable landscape design.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Coreopsis is a genus of between 75-80 species from North America, Mexico, Central and South America.The genus name comes from the Greek words koris meaning “bug” and opsis meaning “like” in reference to the shape of the seed which resembles a bug or tick. ‘Autumn Blush’ is a hybrid perennial coreopsis that blooms like an annual from spring to fall, featuring large flowers that change color with the seasons. Flowers appear, often in profusion, over a mound of narrow, linear, green leaves.

Tolerances

Deer
Drought
Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Crown rot is the main concern for Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ and occurs exclusively if the plant is situated in moist, poorly drained soils. Prevent this by ensuring excellent drainage during planting. While generally disease-resistant, watch for uncommon issues like powdery mildew, botrytis, or aster yellows, which can sometimes affect Asteraceae members.

Stem sprawling can become noticeable, particularly in hot, humid climates followed by heavy summer rainfalls, causing the mound to lose its neat shape. If this occurs, the plant benefits greatly from shearing; this practice, performed mid-summer, removes unattractive, floppy stems and stimulates a fresh crop of blooms later in the season. Deer tend to avoid this attractive Tickseed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tickseed suitable for?

Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ is hardy and reliably perennial in USDA Zones 4 through 9.

When does Tickseed bloom?

This plant offers vibrant color from June straight through September, showcasing peachy-yellow rays with a distinct red center.

How large does Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ grow?

Mature Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ typically reaches a height between 1.5 and 2 feet, spreading out to 1.5 to 2.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ need?

This Tickseed variety performs best and flowers most profusely when situated in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Conclusion

The combination of long-lasting color, deer resistance, and drought tolerance makes Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ an invaluable addition for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal fuss. This resilient Tickseed lights up borders and dry gardens alike throughout the summer and into autumn. Ensure your soil is well-drained, confirm your garden falls within Zones 4-9, and plant this beauty in full sun for season-long rewards.

Propagation Tips

Although Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ is noted as being sterile, meaning it does not readily reseed, propagation can be achieved through division. This process keeps the existing clumps vigorous and prevents overcrowding. Plan this division for early spring before new growth becomes too substantial.

To divide, carefully dig up the entire clump of the Tickseed. Use a sterilized spade or sharp knife to section the root mass into several smaller pieces, making sure each division has a healthy cluster of roots and some emerging shoots. Replant these divisions immediately into their new locations at the same depth they were originally growing.

This method is particularly useful every 2-3 years if you notice the central part of the plant declining or if you wish to increase your stock of Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ elsewhere in the garden without relying on seed germination.

Companion Planting

Because Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ thrives in full sun and prefers dry to medium soil conditions, pair it with other Mediterranean or prairie-loving perennials. Good neighbors include plants that also appreciate fantastic drainage and do not require constant moisture. This helps simplify your maintenance routine by grouping plants with similar water needs.

Consider combining the bright, warm tones of Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’ with cooler blues and purples found in plants like Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Catmint (Nepeta spp.), or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). These combinations create high contrast and visual interest while sharing similar cultural requirements for high light and drier soils.

For front-of-border placement, low-growing, silvery foliage companions such as Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) or trailing Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) can complement the upright habit of this Tickseed without competing strongly for light or water resources.