Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Moonlight')
Coreopsis 'Moonlight' (Tickseed) offers profuse soft yellow, daisy-like blooms from June through September. A low-maintenance perennial thriving in full sun and dry soils.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’, commonly known as Tickseed, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial prized for its long bloom season and resilient nature. This variety features a profusion of soft yellow, daisy-like flowers that appear consistently from early summer straight through autumn, making it brilliant for continuous color in the garden. Its compact, bushy form showcases fine, threadlike dark green foliage beautifully beneath the abundant blooms.
As an excellent low-maintenance choice, Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ thrives when given plenty of direct sun and prefers minimal fuss once established. It handles heat, humidity, and drier conditions exceptionally well, rewarding gardeners with superb performance even in challenging summer weather. Use this brilliant Tickseed in beds or borders to draw the eye with cheerful color that requires very little coddling.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Soft yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ in the spring or fall after the last frost, ensuring it receives full sun exposure daily. It performs best in well-drained soils; avoid heavy clay where moisture tends to sit, as this is the primary cause of crown rot issues. Good drainage is imperative for establishing healthy, long-lived clumps of this Tickseed.
Water practices should focus on dryness; once established, this perennial only needs supplemental water during prolonged dry spells, as it tolerates drought well. Fertilizing is rarely necessary; too much rich soil or excessive feeding encourages weaker stems that may sprawl. Deadheading is not strictly required, but shearing the plant back by about one-third in mid to late summer can encourage a fresh flush of bloom into the autumn months.
Long-term care involves occasional division every few years, particularly if the plant is situated in a formal border and begins to lose vigor, which should be done in the spring. Because the hardiness and longevity of hybrid Coreopsis can vary, planting in a location matching its stated hardiness range ensures the best perennial performance for your Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’.
Landscape Uses
Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ shines brightly when used in borders, acting as a superb mid-border element or a bright edging plant along pathways and sidewalks. Its tolerance for poor, dry soils makes it an ideal choice for difficult sites where other perennials might struggle, fitting perfectly into low-maintenance naturalized areas or cottage garden designs.
For patio containers, this threadleaf Tickseed provides a fountain of yellow color that contrasts beautifully with darker foliage plants or deep purple annuals. When designing mixed borders, pair the cheerful soft yellow of Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ with companions that share its sun and dry soil requirements, such as salvias, ornamental grasses, or sedums. Its reliable texture and color make it a foundational plant for informal designs.
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.‘Moonlight’ is a threadleaf-type of coreopsis that typically grows to 18-25” tall. It was discovered as a branch mutation from Coreopsis ‘Autumn Blush’. Each plant features a profuse late spring to fall bloom of soft yellow, daisy-like flowers (1-2” diameter) that covers a bushy clump of pinnate dark green leaves. Flowers acquire darker peach tones as the cooler weather of autumn arrives. U.S. Plant Patent PP20,009 was issued on May 19, 2009.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
The primary cultural issue associated with this Tickseed is crown rot, which develops if the plant is situated in soil that remains consistently moist or poorly drained. Always amend heavy soils with grit or compost to improve aeration before planting. While generally tough, watch for uncommon fungal issues like powdery mildew or botrytis, often managed by ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing. Stems can sometimes sprawl, especially in hot, humid climates receiving heavy summer rains; preventative shearing in mid-summer helps maintain a tidy, compact habit for Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’. Note that deer tend to avoid browsing this perennial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tickseed suitable for?
Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ is generally suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Tickseed grow?
This plant typically reaches a height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ need?
Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ absolutely requires full sun exposure to produce its best flowering and maintain a tight habit.
When does Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ bloom?
This variety puts on its main show from June through September, offering soft yellow flowers throughout the season.
Conclusion
Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ delivers exceptional long-term value through its drought tolerance, low maintenance needs, and relentless summer-to-fall bloom display of cheerful yellow. Integrating this tough Tickseed variety into your sunny borders ensures vibrant color even when summer heat tests your garden’s limits. Before planting, confirm your local hardiness zone and ensure you provide the necessary well-drained soil for long-term success.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’, focus on other sun-loving, tolerant perennials to maintain a cohesive watering and light scheme. Plants such as Lavender (Lavandula spp.), which also loves sharp drainage, make excellent partners, offering contrasting purple spikes against the yellow daisies. Similarly, hardy Geraniums or various ornamental Alliums work well toward the front of the border, providing textural contrast without competing heavily for resources.
This approach ensures that your garden area requires consistent attention only to sun exposure and water, simplifying overall care. Because this Tickseed dislikes wet feet, avoid pairing it directly next to moisture-loving moisture-loving plants like Astilbes or Hosta, even if they share a similar height profile.
Propagation Tips
As a hybrid variety, propagation of Coreopsis ‘Moonlight’ is most reliable through vegetative division rather than seed saving, although the species is known to spread modestly by rhizomes. The best time for dividing established clumps is early in the spring before new growth significantly emerges. Carefully dig up the entire clump and gently tease apart sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy mass of roots attached.
Replant these divisions immediately into prepared, well-drained soil at the same depth they were previously growing. This division process helps rejuvenate older clumps, keeping the plant robust and preventing the center from dying out, which can occasionally happen with older perennial Tickseed groupings. Division may be needed every 2 to 3 years in formal settings to maintain optimal performance.
