Description

Coreopsis ‘UpTick Red’: A Compact Perennial with Bold Scarlet Blooms

Coreopsis ‘UpTick Red’ is a vibrant perennial that brings rich, velvety red flowers to the summer garden. Part of the UpTick™ series, this variety is known for its compact growth, long bloom period, and exceptional color intensity. Perfect for borders, pollinator gardens, and containers, it thrives in full sun and offers season-long beauty with minimal care.

This guide explores everything you need to know about Coreopsis ‘UpTick Red’ — from planting and care to design tips and seasonal highlights — so you can enjoy its bold charm in your own garden.

A Rich Red That Commands Attention

The flowers of ‘UpTick Red’ are strikingly deep red, often described as velvety or wine-colored. Unlike many coreopsis varieties that blend yellow and red, this one offers a solid, saturated hue. Each daisy-like bloom measures around 2 inches across, standing out vividly against the plant’s fresh green foliage.

This bold color works beautifully in warm palettes with yellows and oranges or creates dramatic contrast with cool purples and blues. The blooms appear continuously from early summer into fall, keeping the display lively for months.

Growth Habit and Size

‘UpTick Red’ forms a compact, rounded mound about 12 to 14 inches tall and 14 to 16 inches wide. This tidy size makes it ideal for front-of-border plantings, edging, or mixed container arrangements.

Its dense growth habit ensures the plant looks attractive even between flushes of blooms. Unlike older coreopsis varieties that can sprawl, the UpTick™ series remains neat and well-shaped all season.

Best Location for Planting

Coreopsis thrives in sunny conditions. Plant ‘UpTick Red’ in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun ensures the richest flower color and the most abundant blooms.

The plant prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a range of conditions, from sandy to average garden soil. Once established, it handles moderate drought well, though regular watering promotes consistent flowering.

Planting Guide for Success

1. Choose the right time – Plant in spring after frost danger has passed or in early fall while soil is still warm.
2. Prepare the soil – Loosen soil and enrich with compost if needed to boost fertility and drainage.
3. Dig the hole – Twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper.
4. Set the plant – Position the root ball so the crown is level with surrounding soil.
5. Backfill and water – Firm soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly.
6. Mulch lightly – A thin mulch layer conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.

Watering and Feeding

Water regularly after planting until the plant is established. Afterward, coreopsis tolerates occasional dry periods but benefits from deep watering during extended droughts. Avoid constantly wet soil, which can lead to root problems.

Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Excess fertilizer can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers, so feed sparingly.

Deadheading and Pruning

Removing spent blooms encourages continuous flowering and keeps the plant tidy. Snip off faded flowers just above a set of leaves. In late fall, cut the plant back to 2–3 inches above the ground to prepare it for winter dormancy.

Winter Hardiness

‘UpTick Red’ is hardy in USDA zones 5–9. In colder climates, apply a thin layer of mulch in late fall to protect the root system during winter. The plant will return each spring with fresh growth and renewed vigor.

Why Gardeners Love UpTick Red

Gardeners prize this variety for its saturated red flowers, long bloom season, and manageable size. It fits beautifully into cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, and mixed perennial borders. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding movement and ecological value to the garden.

Its ability to perform well in heat, humidity, and poor soils also makes it an easy-care choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Companion Planting Ideas

Pair ‘UpTick Red’ with complementary or contrasting colors for stunning displays:

• Yellow coreopsis or black-eyed Susans for warm, sunny palettes
• Lavender or Russian sage for cool-toned contrast
• Ornamental grasses for texture and soft movement
• Salvia or coneflowers for pollinator-friendly combinations

Mass plantings create a bold red carpet of color, while mixed groupings provide a dynamic look throughout the season.

Container Growing Tips

‘UpTick Red’ performs beautifully in containers. Choose pots at least 12 inches wide with good drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix and water regularly, as containers dry out faster than garden beds.

Fertilize every 4–6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season to encourage blooms. In cold zones, overwinter containers in a sheltered location or treat plants as annuals.

Pests and Problems

Coreopsis is relatively trouble-free but may occasionally face:

• Aphids – Rinse off with water or treat with insecticidal soap.
• Powdery mildew – Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Root rot – Prevent by planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering.

These issues are typically minor and easily managed with proper cultural practices.

Propagation

‘UpTick Red’ can be propagated by division in spring or early fall. Dig up mature clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant immediately. Since it’s a hybrid, it may not come true from seed, so division is the best method to preserve its vivid red flowers.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring – Fresh green foliage emerges and plants establish quickly.
• Summer – Peak bloom season with bold red flowers attracting pollinators.
• Fall – Blooms continue until frost; foliage remains neat and compact.
• Winter – Dormant period; mulch offers added protection in colder zones.

Perfect for Pollinator Gardens

The nectar-rich flowers of ‘UpTick Red’ draw bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Adding this coreopsis to your landscape supports local pollinators while providing vibrant color for months.

A Plant That Brings Lasting Impact

Coreopsis ‘UpTick Red’ offers the perfect combination of compact form, rich color, and long-lasting blooms. Whether planted in borders, containers, or massed for dramatic effect, it delivers cheerful color from early summer until frost with minimal effort.

Bold Scarlet Blooms for Every Sunny Space

Adding Coreopsis ‘UpTick Red’ to your garden is like planting summer itself — warm, vibrant, and full of life. With its easy care, pollinator appeal, and months-long display, this perennial quickly becomes a garden favorite you’ll look forward to every year.

When the scarlet flowers open in midsummer, you’ll see why it’s part of the beloved UpTick™ series — compact, colorful, and simply unforgettable.