Coreopsis pubescens is a perennial sometimes as much as 90 cm tall. Flower heads are yellow, with both ray florets and disc florets.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Coreopsis pubescens, called star tickseed, is a North American species of tickseeds in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the central and southeastern United States from eastern Kansas and eastern Texas east as far as Virginia, Florida, and the Carolinas. There are also reports of isolated populations in New England and in northern Indiana, probably as escapes from cultivation.
Coreopsis pubescens (Star Tickseed) is a clump-forming perennial wildflower boasting a profusion of showy bright yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), with distinctive notched ray petals. Blooming from early to late summer – if spent flowers are deadheaded, they attract butterflies and other pollinators. The blossoms are carried atop slender stems clad with ovate leaves. Both stems and leaves are downy.
Tolerant of heat, humidity and drought, Star Tickseed is a real workhorse in hot and often dry summer gardens. It reseeds itself, maintaining a cheerful presence in the landscape. Plant in swaths to provide a long season of color in poor, rocky, and sandy areas.
II. How to Grow and Care
Star tickseed is known for its relatively straightforward care requirements. Key care needs include full sun exposure and well-draining soil to thrive. Special care points involve regular deadheading to encourage continued blooming and occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Overall, star tickseed is considered an easy plant to care for, ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.
Sunlight
Star tickseed requires sufficient sunlight and prefers direct sunlight, so it is good for sunny gardens or balconies. To grow indoors, at least 6 hours of sunlight is needed. For maximum blooming, over 12 hours of sunlight is best.
Star tickseed can survive in partially-shaded environments. However, excessive shade can result in decreased photosynthetic rate, slow growth rate, produce thin, weak stems, difficulty in branching, and fewer flowers. Your plant will be healthier in a bright place.
Temperature
Star tickseed grows on grasslands or plains with a very dry environment. It likes a warm and dry growing environment, though it tolerates occasional wet weather. It grows best between 10 to 30 ℃. Cold temperatures result in slow growth. Sufficient water is required during germination, but adult plants have no special requirement for humidity.
Watering
Originating from well-drained soils in open woodlands, star tickseed thrives with consistent moisture yet displays a degree of drought tolerance. It prefers a balance, neither too dry nor overly saturated. For optimal health, watering every week is recommended to mimic its natural environment. As an outdoor plant often cultivated for its vibrant flowering display, star tickseed benefits significantly from rainwater during its active growing season, which provides the ideal pH and minerals for its development.
Soil
Star tickseed adapts to most soil; some varieties even tolerate dry and rocky soil. However, it prefers moist, loose, permeable, well-drained sandy loam, with a pH value of 5.5-6.5. Add a permeable and loose medium, such as sphagnum moss and coco coir, to garden soil and organic matter to increase water retention. An example of a culture medium formula is 1/2 coco coir + 1/4 garden soil + 1/4 vermiculite or river sand. NPK fertilizer and organic fertilizer should be added in spring.
Fertilizing
Fertilize star tickseed bi-weekly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to enhance bloom vibrancy and plant health. Adjust to monthly in cooler months. Use a granular or liquid form at the rate specified by the product, typically around 1 tablespoon per square foot. Over-fertilization can lead to foliage at the expense of flowers, so adhere to recommended amounts. Conduct a soil test annually to tailor the fertilization regimen, ensuring star tickseed receives the essential nutrients without excess that could harm the plant or the environment.
Planting Instructions
Plant star tickseed in spring or fall; in subsequent years, rely on natural seeding. Its natural seeding range is 30 to 61 cm, and its lifespan is three to five years. When it starts to bloom less, its life is ending, and it should be replaced with new plants. Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. The germination temperature should be 16 to 25 ℃.
During germination, the medium should be kept moist and the air humidity should be kept at 90%-95%, and then gradually reduced after germination. Germination takes four to six days. When two or three true leaves grow out, transplant to a garden or pot. After transplanting, water thoroughly to keep the root system and soil in close contact. The whole seedling period takes 4-5 weeks, and 13-15 weeks are needed from sowing to blooming.
Pruning
Star tickseed rarely needs to be pruned. In order to promote blooming, prune the terminal bud when it grows to 5 cm. The same should be done again when branches are 10 cm long; remove thin or weak branchlets then too. Pruning withered flowers in time avoids consuming excessive nutrients, and star tickseed will bloom again in fall.
Propagation
This perennial is easily propagated through division, a practical and effective method for multiplying flowering clumps and maintaining garden vitality. Divide the clumps gently, ensuring each section has an ample amount of roots and a few shoots for successful establishment. Immediately replant the sections at the same depth they were previously growing, and water them well to encourage root growth. Consistent moisture and well-draining soil will support swift recovery and new growth in star tickseed.
Transplanting
For star tickseed, the genesis of growth season, just post-frost, is prime for transplanting, fostering stellar root development. Choose well-drained, sunny locales. Gently loosen surrounding soil to ease transition without detailed steps.
III. Uses and Benefits
Very versatile, Star tickseed is a welcomed addition to cottage gardens, naturalized areas, prairies and meadows.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Generally speaking, star tickseed can bloom twice a year, once in spring or summer and once in fall. Its flowers can be appreciated for a long time. If it is not harvested, it can bloom for as long as one or two months. After harvest, the vase life of a single flower is between three and seven days. Use sharp gardening scissors to cut at the base of the stem, and prune the base of the stem obliquely at 45° to increase the water absorption area. Put it in a vase with clean water.
