Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Route 66')

Overview

Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ is a standout herbaceous perennial highly valued for its fine, threadleaf foliage and abundant, cheerful blooms. This variety of Tickseed produces daisy-like flowers that start bright yellow and feature a striking, irregular red eye ring that often bleeds outward, providing dynamic summer color. It is remarkably easy to grow, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking reliable performance with minimal fuss.

As a verticillata-type Coreopsis, ‘Route 66’ offers an airy texture that lightens up borders and pairs beautifully with coarser-leaved perennials. It provides continuous color from early summer well into fall, extending the season of interest in beds and containers. This dependable Tickseed excels in hot, sunny locations where other plants might struggle.

With its low maintenance needs and high tolerance for dry conditions once established, Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ is an excellent choice for water-wise landscaping and naturalized areas. This durable plant ensures beautiful, bug-like seeds (hence the common name Tickseed) are followed by reliable regrowth year after year in the appropriate hardiness zones.

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 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Yellow with red eye ring
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal performance, plant Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ in the spring or fall after the last hard frost, ensuring it receives full, unobstructed sun. This Tickseed prefers well-drained soils; while it adapts to dry conditions, extremely poor drainage can lead to crown rot, so incorporate organic matter if your soil is heavy clay for better aeration.

Water new plants regularly until they establish a robust root system. Established Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ exhibits excellent drought tolerance and requires infrequent deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilizing is rarely necessary; excessive nitrogen can lead to weak, sprawling growth rather than abundant blooms.

Pruning is key for extended flowering in this hybrid Coreopsis. Shearing the plant back by about one-third in mid to late summer will encourage fresh vegetative growth and a strong flush of color well into the fall season, preventing the plant from looking unkempt. Clumps of this spreading Tickseed can be divided in the spring every few years to maintain vigor and renew the planting.

Landscape Uses

Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ brings vibrant, long-lasting color to numerous garden settings. It functions perfectly as a border front plant, its two-foot height providing a low, bright transition between walkways and taller shrubs. It is also highly effective used as sidewalk edging where its airy texture prevents the edge from looking too heavy or formal.

This versatile perennial is a superb choice for challenging sites, especially areas featuring poor or dry soils where many other perennials fail. Incorporate it into wild gardens or cottage gardens for a relaxed, informal look, or use it to soften the edges of naturalized areas. Furthermore, Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ performs admirably in patio containers, adding vertical lift and continuous color throughout the summer months.

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. ‘Route 66’ is a verticillata-type variety of coreopsis. It features threadleaf green foliage on plants rising to 24-28” tall, topped by daisy-like, bright yellow flowers with a sizeable red eye ring that bloom from early summer into fall. The irregular red pigmentation often bleeds into the yellow, creating a dynamic effect unique to each bloom.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

The primary concern when growing Tickseed is soil moisture; crown rot is a frequent issue if the plant is situated in consistently moist, poorly drained soils. To prevent this, ensure supreme drainage, especially during rainy periods. Stems can sometimes sprawl, which is particularly noticeable during hot, humid summers punctuated by heavy rainfall; shearing helps manage this untidiness. While generally resistant, watch for uncommon fungal issues such as powdery mildew or botrytis, managing them with good air circulation and appropriate fungicides if necessary. Deer typically avoid browsing on this Coreopsis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Route 66’) suitable for?

Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ is hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9, offering a wide range of adaptability across the country.

How large does Tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Route 66’) grow?

This perennial typically reaches a mature height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, with a similar spread of 1.5 to 2 feet.

What sun exposure does Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ need?

This plant requires full sun exposure to produce its best flowering continuously throughout the season.

When does Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ bloom?

You can expect blooms on this Tickseed from June right through September, featuring vibrant yellow flowers marked with a red eye ring.

Conclusion

The striking bicoloration of the blooms combined with its low-water use and drought tolerance makes Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ an invaluable addition to sunny, tough landscapes. This reliable Tickseed provides months of garden cheer with minimal effort required from the gardener. Before planting, confirm that your growing area falls within USDA Zones 4-9 and that you can provide full sun for your new Coreopsis ‘Route 66’.

Companion Planting

When selecting partners for Coreopsis ‘Route 66’, focus on plants that share its preference for full sun and dry to medium moisture conditions. Plants with contrasting texture and color will make the fine foliage and bright flowers of the Tickseed pop. Consider pairing it with structural plants like Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or upright ornamental grasses whose fine texture complements but whose habit contrasts with the spreading mounding form of Coreopsis.

For a classic cottage garden feel, plant Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ alongside Echinacea (Coneflower) or Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan). These companions share similar sun and soil requirements, creating a cohesive, sun-drenched perennial border that thrives on neglect. Since this Coreopsis is known for deer resistance, pairing it with other deer-unpalatable herbs or tough perennials enhances the overall security of the border.

Propagation Tips

While Coreopsis ‘Route 66’ can spread slowly by rhizomes, division is the most common and effective method for propagating established clumps. Perform this division in the spring as new growth begins to emerge. Carefully dig up the entire clump and use a sharp spade or knife to divide it into sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy cluster of roots and at least three healthy growth points. Replant these sections immediately at the same depth they were previously growing.

This hybrid cultivar may also be propagated via softwood cuttings if you wish to preserve the exact genetic traits without relying on rhizome division. Take cuttings from non-flowering stems during the early summer month. Dip the base of the cuttings in rooting hormone and place them in a well-draining propagation mix under consistent moisture and high humidity until roots form, at which point they can be hardened off and treated as small perennials.