SCIENTIFIC NAME: Coreopsis verticillata NOVA® ‘Sunstone’

COMMON NAME: Tickseed

GARDEN SIZE: 14 inches tall x 30 inches wide (16 inches in flower)

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 5-10

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained soil and has average water requirements.

HABIT (FORM): Vigorous, mounding

FOLIAGE: Green

FLOWERS: Rusty peach to sun-tanned pink; blooms from June through October

PLANT ORIGIN: Eastern United States from Maryland south to Florida, and west to Arkansas (including Tennessee).

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Supports native bees, lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), and birds (especially finches). Deer and rabbit resistant.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Not generally considered toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. Always research further if you have concerns, as reactions can occur with anything.

USES: Borders, containers, meadows, prairies, pollinator gardens. Cut flowers.