Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Sienna Sunset')
Coreopsis 'Sienna Sunset' is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant Tickseed offering brilliant burnt sienna blooms from June to September.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ is a highly valued threadleaf-type Tickseed, prized for its vibrant, long-lasting color display. This herbaceous perennial produces masses of daisy-like flowers, featuring striking burnt sienna rays that transition to lighter orange as they age, providing garden interest from early summer well into fall. Its reliable performance makes Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low effort, high reward planting.
As a tough member of the Asteraceae family, this plant thrives in challenging conditions where others might fail. It is remarkably tolerant of heat, humidity, and dry spells once established, fitting perfectly into xeriscaping or cottage garden designs. Gardeners will appreciate the manageable size of this Tickseed, which forms neat clumps ideal for defining borders without becoming invasive.
The genus name, derived from Greek, refers to the seed shape resembling a tick, leading to the common name Tickseed. Choosing Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ ensures a dependable splash of rich, autumnal color across the landscape while demanding minimal upkeep.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Burnt sienna
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ in the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, selecting a location that receives full sun for the best possible bloom production. This Tickseed prefers well-drained soil; it establishes easily in dry to medium moisture conditions but struggles in overly wet, heavy soil which can lead to crown rot. Proper drainage is non-negotiable for long-term success.
Maintenance for this hybrid coreopsis is wonderfully low. Water regularly until the plant is established, but once mature, it demonstrates significant drought tolerance and rarely requires supplementary irrigation unless there is an extended dry spell. Avoid rich fertilizers, as excessive fertility can lead to weak stems that sprawl, especially in humid climates with heavy summer rains.
To keep the habit tidy and encourage further flowering, shear the plants back by about one-third after the main flush of mid-summer bloom fades. This mid-to-late summer shearing prompts fresh green foliage and a round of sporadic blooms extending into the fall. Clumps of Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ can be divided in the spring every few years if they become overcrowded in formal borders.
Landscape Uses
Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ excels where robust, cheerful color is needed without heavy water consumption. Its compact size makes it perfect for defining sidewalk edgings or lining the fronts of perennial borders, keeping the view tidy and colorful. It naturalizes beautifully, integrating seamlessly into wild gardens, meadows, or informal cottage settings where its rich burnt sienna hue pairs well with blues and purples.
This Tickseed is also exceptionally adaptable to containers and patio settings, provided the pots have excellent drainage. Combine it with contrasting textures, such as fine-leaved ornamental grasses or mounding succulents that share its tolerance for dry soil. Its ability to thrive in poor, dry soils also makes it an excellent candidate for challenging, sunny slopes or rock gardens.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Coreopsis is a genus featuring 75-80 species primarily from the Americas, with the name deriving from Greek words meaning “bug-like” due to the shape of its seeds. ‘Sienna Sunset’ is specifically recognized as a threadleaf-type Tickseed, known for forming dense clumps of deep green foliage contrasting sharply with its unique burnt sienna daisy flowers. This cultivar is noted for its persistent blooming habit, often flowering from late spring through summer with sporadic repeat performances into the autumn months.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
The primary health concern for Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ is crown rot, specifically occurring if the plant is sited in moist, poorly drained locations—always ensure sharp drainage to prevent this. While generally hardy, this perennial can sometimes suffer from common fungal issues like powdery mildew or aster yellows, particularly in overly humid weather. A common cultural issue is stem sprawling; this is often mitigated by the recommended mid-summer shearing or by ensuring the plant is not over-fertilized, which promotes leggy growth. Deer typically ignore this resilient Tickseed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tickseed suitable for?
Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9, offering flexibility across many climates.
How large does Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ grow?
This variety typically matures to a compact height of 1 to 1.5 feet tall, spreading moderately to between 1 and 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Tickseed need?
For the most prolific flowering and the healthiest structure, Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ absolutely requires full sun conditions.
When does Tickseed bloom?
You can expect abundant blooms on this Tickseed from June extending through September, showcasing memorable burnt sienna coloration.
Conclusion
Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ offers gardeners a superb combination of rich, unique color and exceptional resilience against heat and drought. Its low maintenance requirements and long blooming season cement its status as a garden workhorse. Plan to incorporate this tough, beautiful Tickseed into your sunny borders this spring to enjoy its reliable performance year after year.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors enhances the beauty and health of your Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’. Since this plant thrives in dry soil and full sun, pair it with other sun-lovers that share similar low-water needs, such as Lavender (Lavandula), Russian Sage (Perovskia), or Coneflowers (Echinacea). These companions offer varying textures and bloom times, ensuring continuous color interest in the border while respecting the dry footing preferred by the Tickseed. Avoiding moisture-loving perennials near this variety is crucial to preventing cultural stress.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation involves cutting back any lingering winter debris and dividing clumps that appear overcrowded, typically every two to three years. Focus on summer maintenance through strategic pruning—a strong shearing in mid-summer will maximize late-season flower production for Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’. In areas experiencing harsh freezes outside of Zone 5, ensure adequate mulch coverage around the base as winter approaches to protect the crown of this herbaceous perennial. Deadheading spent flowers isn’t strictly necessary but can improve the appearance slightly before the intentional mid-summer shear.
