Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Red Elf')
Coreopsis 'Red Elf' (Tickseed) is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial offering continuous red, yellow-centered blooms from June to September.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’, a compact selection within the Lil Bang™ series, brings vibrant color to the garden from early summer until fall. This variety of Tickseed is highly valued for its outstanding bloom power and resilience, making it a nearly foolproof addition to sunny borders. Its deep burgundy-red petals, contrasted sharply by bright yellow centers, offer striking visual interest throughout the season.
This herbaceous perennial thrives with minimal fuss, preferring well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It demonstrates excellent tolerance to heat, humidity, and drought once established, aligning perfectly with modern low-water gardening principles. Gardeners appreciate Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ for its tidy, small footprint and reliable performance year after year.
Offering continuous flowering, especially when tidily deadheaded, Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ attracts butterflies while remaining a favorite thanks to its low maintenance needs. It provides reliable structure and bright, showy flowers perfect for edging or container displays where superior performance is required.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Red with yellow center disks
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ in the spring or fall once the danger of hard frost has passed, ensuring it receives full sun exposure for the best flower production. This Tickseed variety establishes easily in average, well-drained soils, performing exceptionally well even in poorer or drier conditions. Avoid planting in areas that remain consistently wet, as this is the primary cause of root issues.
Maintenance for Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ remains refreshingly low. Water only when the soil becomes distinctly dry to the medium stage, as it tolerates drought well. Fertilization is rarely necessary; over-fertilizing can lead to floppy, sparse growth rather than abundant flowers.
To keep the mounds compact and encourage a better flush of fall blooms, shear the plants back by about one-third in mid to late summer after the first major flowering period subsides. This simple pruning removes any sprawling foliage. Clumps of this robust Tickseed can be divided in the spring every few years if they become overcrowded, helping to maintain their vigor in formal settings.
Landscape Uses
The compact stature of Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’, reaching only about one foot high and wide, makes it an excellent choice for defining spaces in the garden. Use it effectively to line sidewalks, creating a neat ribbon of color, or mass it along border fronts where its low profile won’t obscure taller favorites. It is also highly recommended for well-drained patio containers.
Due to its drought tolerance and love of full sun, this Tickseed pairs wonderfully with other sun-loving, low-water perennials such as Sedum, Russian Sage (Perovskia), or hardy Geraniums. It thrives in cottage garden settings where the emphasis is on natural beauty and resilience rather than high-input perfection. Because Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ does not reliably set seed, gardeners can enjoy its consistent bloom without worrying about excessive self-seeding or naturalizing beyond the intended area.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Coreopsis is a genus of between 75-80 species from North America, Mexico, Central and South America.The genus name comes from the Greek words koris meaning “bug” and opsis meaning “like” in reference to the shape of the seed which resembles a bug or tick. ‘Red Elf’ is a compact, red flowering selection of tickseed in the Lil Bang™ series developed by breeder Darrell Probst. The blooms (up to 2” in diameter) have deep burgundy-red petals surrounding bright yellow center disks, and are held on thin stems up to 12” above the narrow, lance-shaped foliage. Flowers continuously all summer and into fall, especially with deadheading. Attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators. Can be used as a cut flower, although the thin stems may require the support of other flowers in a vase. Plant patent number PP27918 applies to this cultivar.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
Crown rot presents the most significant threat if Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ is planted in heavy, moist, poorly drained soils. To prevent this, always ensure sharp drainage during site preparation. While uncommon, fungal diseases like powdery mildew or botrytis can occasionally appear. This cultivar, Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’, generally shows improved resistance to powdery mildew compared to older types. If stems sprawl, especially during hot, humid periods with heavy rain, a mid-summer shearing or pinch will help manage its upright appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tickseed suitable for?
Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ is hardy and reliably perennial across USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ grow?
This plant maintains a compact size, typically reaching a height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Tickseed need?
For optimal flowering performance, Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ requires full sun exposure throughout the day.
When does Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ bloom?
You can expect blooms on this Tickseed variety from June right through to September, featuring distinctive deep red flowers with yellow center disks.
Conclusion
Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, long-blooming color that thrives in sunny, dry conditions. This resilient Tickseed offers reliable performance and deer resistance, making it a fantastic border performer. Check your local USDA zone compatibility and plan to incorporate Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ into your sunny landscape this spring.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ should focus on plants that share its preference for full sun and well-drained, drier soil conditions. Consider pairing it with ornamental grasses like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for vertical contrast, or low-growing silver foliage like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) to complement the red and yellow flowers. Plants that bloom slightly later, such as certain varieties of Coneflower (Echinacea), can ensure continuous interest as the season progresses.
Wildlife Benefits
The open-faced structure of the Tickseed blooms makes the nectar and pollen highly accessible to a wide array of native pollinators. Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ is explicitly noted as being attractive to butterflies, providing a crucial nectar source during peak summer months. While it is not a heavy seeder for birds, the continuous flowering habit supports general insect populations, which in turn feed local insectivorous wildlife.
