Coreopsis 'Baluptred' UPTICK™ RED tickseed
Coreopsis
Coreopsis are immensely popular and low-maintenance perennials whose vibrant flower colors charm both lovers of cottage-style gardens and enthusiastic urban growers. The species Coreopsis grandiflora, commonly known as large-flowered tickseed, originates from the grassy prairies and woodland edges of the southeastern United States, where it grows as a short-lived perennial with exceptional tolerance to drought and full sun. Introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant in the 19th century, it quickly became part of traditional garden culture. In some regions, dried coreopsis flowers were historically used to brew herbal infusions as a coffee substitute during periods of scarcity. Their fine, earthy taste made them a modest but practical alternative, and they also served as a natural source of plant-based dye for textiles. From these humble and versatile roots, modern cultivars and hybrids were gradually bred to enhance colour richness, achieve compact growth, improve cold hardiness, and extend flowering from June well into late autumn.
The UPTICK™ series of perennial tickseed originates from Ball Horticultural Company in Santa Paula, California, where it is bred by Blair Winner. With over four decades of experience in the ornamental plant industry, Winner has contributed to the development of dozens of popular cultivars — from geraniums and gazanias to tickseeds — for renowned companies such as Bodger Seed, PanAmerican Seed, and Ball Horticultural. Beyond ornamental breeding, he has also worked on nutrition-related projects, including marigold varieties with high levels of zeaxanthin used in dietary supplements that support eye health. His work has shaped modern horticulture across continents, and the UPTICK™ series reflects his pursuit of compact, floriferous, and disease-resistant plants with vibrant flower colours.
UPTICK™ RED showcases rich, dark red flowers that shift in appearance over the season — the initial flush is nearly solid red, while later blooms feature golden-yellow petal tips. The daisy-like flowers have smooth, slightly rounded petals and appear from early summer until the first frost. Upright stems reach 30–35 cm in height and form compact, dense clumps. The foliage is narrow, medium green, three-lobed, and highly resistant to powdery mildew and common diseases. Thanks to its intense coloration and exceptionally long blooming period, UPTICK™ RED reliably fills the role of annuals that fade after a single season. The variety is protected under U.S. Plant Patent PP33866, granted in 2022.
Tickseed will grow in nearly any free-draining soil, and as it withstands drought it is popular for rockeries. Making it a glowing feature in your perennial garden bed is the reasonable and expected way of using it. But placing it among small shrubs with different foliage and flowers will mean an honour for this easy and affordable beauty. Deadheading will make the plant nicer and bring forward formation of new flower buds but is not necessary. Fully hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 18-07-2025
