Tickseed or Coreopsis, as it is more formally known, brings charm and cheer to any garden.

They bloom in full sun from May to Aug., depending on the species. Typically yellow, the flowers are daisy-like.

Tickseed belongs in the Sunflower family. There are 75 to 80 species native to North and South America. The four species commonly grown here are large-flowered tickseed; C. grandiflora; lance-leafed tickseed, C. lanceolata; thread-leaf coreopsis, C. verticillate; and pink coreopsis, C. rosea. Pink coreopsis grows best in sandy soils.

A low-maintenance flower, it likes dry to medium, well drained soil.

Here is a quick profile of one coreopsis, large-flowered tickseed. It grows between 1.5 and 2.5 ft tall and spreads from 1 to 1.5 ft. This species blooms from June to Aug. Blossoms are yellow rays with darker yellow centers. An open-pollinated plant, it grows from seed, division and rhizomes. It will self-seed, but is well behaved. Deadheading will encourage new blooms.

Tickseed has been labeled a keystone perennial, one of a few plants that supports numerous insects. Seven caterpillar species use it as a host plant and 22 pollen specialist bee species rely on it. It attracts butterflies as well. Rabbit and deer resistant, it supports pollinating by being such a long-blooming plant

Coreopsis can be used as a border, in naturalized areas, meadows, prairies, or cottage gardens. For more information, see the Missouri Botanical Society.

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Don’t Forget the Parasol

Spring blooming plants should be planted in late summer or early fall. Plants that bloom in the fall should be added to your garden in the spring, for the most part. Check planting dates for specific perennials, shrubs and trees; some plants love to break the rules. You should also give them time to get established before they bloom or the onset of cold weather, notes the University of Maryland Extension.

Transplant perennials on cloudy days to reduce sun and/or heat stress.

Transplant plants, if possible, when they are dormant or just beginning to grow. They can be transplanted when in bloom, if handled with care.

Here are tips from the UME:

• Dig a hole, amend the soil with organic matter if necessary. *
• Fill it with water and let it drain.
• Dig the perennial up carefully, save as large a root ball as possible.
• Place the transplant in the hole and fill with soil.
• Water the transplant, mulch it, and protect it, if necessary, with a cardboard screen.

*Many native plants prefer the soil they naturally grow in such as clay. If the soil is enriched, they will grow too vigorously.

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Gems of Maryland’s

Piedmont Region

What better way to celebrate summer than to showcase some of Maryland’s more than 3,000 native plants.

This series explores plants native to the Piedmont Region, which runs from southern New York to northern Alabama. It includes all of Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Baltimore, and Harford counties in Maryland. It extends into Baltimore City and Cecil County, Maryland.

The Northern Highbush Blueberry

Beautiful and tasty

Looking for a beautiful and bountiful shrub? Consider adding the Northern highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum, to your garden. A deciduous shrub, it attracts people, birds and butterflies with its beautiful and delicious flowers and berries. The colorful fall foliage offers an additional bonus.

Blueberry bushes are critical plants. Blueberries are keystone plants, one of 14% of native plants that support 90% of butterfly and moth caterpillar species that terrestrial birds need to feed their young, according to Dr. Doug Tallamay, University of Delaware. These indispensable plants also support many specialist native bee species and wildlife.

Blueberry bushes add beauty and function to any garden. While blueberry bushes can be grown individually and will produce fruit since they self-pollinate, it is best to plant 2 to 3 varieties whose blooming times overlap. The plants will cross pollinate generating a higher yield and larger fruit, according to the Spruce. You can also extend your harvest season from July through mid-September by planting different varieties. (Plant two or three of each variety.)

Continue reading The Northern Highbush Blueberry →