Threadleaf coreopsis is a sun-loving perennial that blooms all summer. Add this easy-to-grow perennial flower to your garden.
Threadleaf Coreopsis Care and Growing Tips
Published on Jun. 18, 2025
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How to Grow Threadleaf Coreopsis
- Common name: Threadleaf coreopsis, tickseed
- Botanical name: Coreopsis verticillata
- Hardiness zones: 3 to 9
- Light needs: Full sun
- Water needs: Drought tolerant once established
- Size: 18 to 36 inches tall and wide
Threadleaf coreopis is a tough, long-blooming perennial to fill sunny or dry spots. The plant reaches 18 to 36 inches, with flowers throughout the summer.
Horticultural expert Melinda Myers says, “If your coreopsis plant stops reblooming, skip the deadheading entirely and dig and divide the plant in late summer or early spring to encourage a longer bloom time. Grow this hardy perennial in Zones 3 to 9, in full sun and well-draining soils. Once established, it tolerates drought.”
Check out the top 10 full sun perennials that thrive in sunshine.
What Does Threadleaf Coreopsis Look Like?
“I was told that this is a butterfly bush, but it doesn’t look like any I’ve seen. Can you identify it?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Caroline Paul of New Albany, Pennsylvania.
Melinda says, “You’re right; this plant is not a butterfly bush, but it does attract butterflies. The low-maintenance perennial is called threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata). The fine foliage offers beauty all season long and is topped by these yellow flowers from late spring through late summer.”
Cultivars to Grow
Moonbeam threadleaf coreopsis, a compact plant, has lacy foliage and grows up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. By early summer the plants are smothered in lemon yellow daisylike flowers that persist for months. For constant blooms, gently shear it after its first flowers fade. It’s an award-winning perennial that is long lived and easy to grow. Moonbeam is sterile and won’t self-sow.
New introductions such as Zesty Zinger (pictured above) expand color options for gardeners.
About the Expert
Melinda Myers is the official gardening expert for Birds & Blooms. She is a TV/radio host, author and columnist who has written more than 20 gardening books. Melinda earned a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
