Great Design Plant: Coreopsis 'Redshift' — A Color Break in Tickseed

The author’s first perennial purchase two decades ago was Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ — still growing along borders. Coreopsis has seen many enhancements; it’s an exciting time for lovers of this all-American genus. Recently, a great horticultural shift: coreopsis donned a new color — red. Coreopsis ‘Redshift’ (introduced by Darrell Probst) broke from older cream/yellow/orange cultivars. Named for this color shift.

Common name “tickseed” comes from seed appearance (achene resembles a flea), not flower beauty. Botanical name from Greek koris (flea/bedbug) + opsis (resembling).

Botanical name: Coreopsis ‘Redshift’
Common names: Tickseed, Redshift
USDA zones: 4a–8b
Water: Minimal once established; drought-tolerant
Light: Full sun
Mature size: 2–3 ft tall/wide
Benefits: Pest/disease tolerant; attracts wildlife; native cultivar; suitable for xeriscaping
Seasonal interest: Blooms all summer
When to plant: Fall or spring

Distinguishing Traits

Blooms: attractive yellow with a splash of red. Amount of red varies yearly — a welcome surprise.

Design Uses

• Front edge of garden bed. Likes to splay — also works in interior, appearing like a skirt on other perennials.
• Added red enriches summer/fall combos. Pair with red-accented native switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’) for bold statement of two relaxed styles.
• Massed as ground cover mimics bed’s design: formal bed → formal flair; country flowers → naturalistic style.
• Design trick: more red companions = more the coreopsis red pops.

Redshift thrives in the author’s Raleigh, NC garden. Several coreopsis varieties grown, but red lured in one more. Yellow-red contrast elicits admiration for four months (early summer–fall). Frequently visited by butterflies; great cut flower.

Planting Notes

Spread ~2 ft, but plant closer (1 ft apart) so splaying flowers hide neighboring crowns.

• Plant spring or fall, 1 ft spacing.
• Dig hole 2× nursery pot diameter.
• Remove plant, place so root ball top level with soil.
• Backfill native soil carefully.
• Firm gently, water thoroughly.
• Apply 2" mulch for moisture retention, temperature moderation, weed control.