Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Redshift')

Overview

Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ is a spectacular clump-forming hybrid Tickseed celebrated for its remarkable ability to change flower color based on temperature fluctuations. This trait, which gives the cultivar its name, provides season-long visual interest far beyond a typical single-color bloom. Gardeners value this variety for its robust nature and extended flowering window, keeping borders vibrant from late spring right into fall.

As a sturdy herbaceous perennial, Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ maintains strong stems reaching up to 30-36 inches, making it reliable in the middle border. It thrives in hot conditions and requires relatively little pampering once established, offering significant aesthetic return for minimal input. This Tickseed ensures continuous color, often blooming through early frost when properly maintained.

The genus name, derived from Greek words meaning “bug-like,” refers to the seed shape, though gardeners mostly focus on the visual poetry of the flowers, which shift from creamy yellow tones to intense reds. Integrating Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ into sunny perennial displays guarantees reliable performance, resilience against deer, and excellent drought tolerance.

Fast Facts

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

How to Grow

Plant Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ in the spring once danger of hard frost has passed, focusing on a location that receives full sun for the most prolific blooming. This Tickseed performs best in well-drained soils, easily tolerating conditions that range from dry to medium moisture. Avoid heavy, waterlogged spots, as prolonged dampness is the primary cause of crown rot issues.

Maintenance for this hybrid coreopsis is generally low, benefiting from the plant’s inherent heat and drought tolerance once established. While it requires medium water, let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Little to no fertilizer is generally needed; too much richness can encourage excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.

The key to maximizing flower production on Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ is management shearing. If the plant begins to look spent or sprawling midsummer, shear the stems back by about one-third. This technique encourages fresh growth and usually rewards the gardener with a flush of flowers extending into the early fall.

Clumps may spread slowly via rhizomes, and division is recommended every 2-3 years, ideally done in the spring, particularly if the plant is used formally in borders. Thanks to excellent parentage, this cultivar demonstrates strong winter hardiness down to USDA Zone 4.

Landscape Uses

Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ is highly versatile, providing excellent upright structure in mixed perennial borders. Its coloring, which changes throughout the season, acts as a dynamic element, pairing beautifully with blues like Russian Sage or deep purples that contrast with the yellow phase. For neatness, use this Tickseed near border fronts or along sidewalk edgings where the upright growth remains visible.

This variety excels in settings where soil conditions are less than perfect, such as naturalized areas, wild gardens, or cottage gardens where less intensive care is provided. Furthermore, its robust flowering makes it an attractive option for brightening patio containers, offering vertical interest alongside trailing annuals. Ensure containers have adequate drainage to prevent moisture buildup around the roots.

When mass planted, the interplay of shifting flower colors creates a stunning, unified tapestry throughout the summer. The deer-resistant nature of Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ means it can be safely placed near pathways or entry points where browsing is a concern.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

The cultivar ‘Redshift’ is recognized for producing profuse, 2-inch diameter flowers that shift color dramatically with temperature, moving from creamy yellow in summer heat to deep reds when temperatures cool. This clump-forming hybrid Coreopsis grows on sturdy stems, offering continuous bloom through early fall. This characteristic color variability is a hallmark of this specific Tickseed variety.

Tolerances

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

Potential Problems

The most serious potential problem involves root health; crown rot can easily occur if this Tickseed is situated in poorly drained soil that remains consistently too moist. For management, ensure planting locations have excellent drainage, especially through winter and early spring. While uncommon, fungal issues like powdery mildew or botrytis can appear, usually favored by humid, stagnant conditions. To maintain shape, be prepared to shear stems mid-summer, as they can sometimes sprawl, especially after heavy rain periods in hot climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ is highly adaptable, exhibiting excellent winter hardiness across USDA Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Redshift’) grow?

This herbaceous perennial typically reaches mature heights between 2 and 2.5 feet, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ need?

For optimal performance and the best color display, Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ requires full sun exposure throughout the growing season.

When does Tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Redshift’) bloom?

This variety offers a very long bloom window, typically starting in June and continuing consistently through September, often persisting until the first hard frost.

Conclusion

Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ excels as a dynamic, low-maintenance performer, delivering exceptional bloom duration and fascinating color shifts that keep the garden interesting all season. Integrating this hardy Tickseed into sun-drenched borders provides reliable structure and reliable resilience against common garden pests. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 4-9 and ensure the site offers the full sun and excellent drainage required for this spectacular perennial.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions for Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ should focus on plants that share its love for full sun and well-drained, drier conditions. Pairing it with softer, silvery foliage plants like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) provides textural contrast that highlights the daisy-like flowers. For complementary or analogous color schemes, consider plants that bloom slightly later, such as certain varieties of Salvia or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), which thrive in similar bright, hot spots.

Propagation Tips

While Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ is best increased by division, this technique is primarily used to manage mature clumps rather than starting new plants from scratch. If you wish to propagate, wait until early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Carefully dig up the entire clump and gently separate the root mass into sections, ensuring each division retains a set of healthy roots and several viable growth points. Replant these divisions immediately at the equivalent depth they were previously growing.