Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam', Moonbeam coreopsis, tickseed
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Perennials

Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'

Moonbeam coreopsis, tickseed

Asteraceae

Eastern United States (parent species; cultivar of garden origin)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming perennial cultivar of Coreopsis verticillata (threadleaf coreopsis), reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). Stems are wiry and branching, clothed in very fine, thread-like leaves arranged in whorls of 3, giving the foliage a delicate, fern-like texture. 'Moonbeam' produces flower heads 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across with pale, soft yellow ray florets — distinctly lighter than the golden yellow of the species — surrounding small yellow disc florets. Bloom is prolific and continuous from June through September with deadheading or shearing. The pale yellow flower color is the primary characteristic distinguishing 'Moonbeam' from other C. verticillata cultivars such as 'Zagreb' (golden yellow) and 'Grandiflora' (deep gold). Plants spread by short rhizomes, forming gradually widening clumps. Performs better in lean soils; rich soils cause floppy stems and reduced flower production. Hardy to zone 3.

Native Range

Coreopsis verticillata (the parent species) is native to the eastern United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Arkansas, growing in open woodlands, rocky slopes, and dry, sandy soils. 'Moonbeam' is a cultivar of garden origin selected for its pale yellow flower color.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in perennial borders at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing as a mid-border plant. The fine foliage texture contrasts with bold-leaved neighbors. Tolerates hot, dry sites. Grows in containers of 3 gallons (11 L) or larger; may require more frequent watering in containers than in the ground.

How to Identify

Distinguished by very fine, thread-like leaves in whorls of 3 along wiry stems and pale soft yellow flower heads 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across. The pale yellow color — notably lighter than golden-yellow C. verticillata cultivars — is the key identifier for 'Moonbeam'. Clump-forming habit with wiry, branching stems reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms June through September in zones 3–9. Peak bloom occurs July–August. With midsummer shearing, plants typically rebloom within 3–4 weeks and continue through early October in zones 5–7. In zones 8–9, bloom may begin in May and slow during peak summer heat before resuming in fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale soft yellow

Foliage Description

medium green, thread-like

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil of average to low fertility; rich soils produce lush foliage but fewer flowers and floppy stems. Established plants are drought-tolerant and require little supplemental water in most climates. Deadhead spent flowers regularly, or shear the entire plant back by one-third in midsummer (approximately late July) to stimulate a strong second flush of bloom. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring when flowering decreases or the clump spreads beyond its allotted space. Plants are generally pest- and disease-free in well-drained conditions.

Pruning

Shear back by one-third in midsummer after the first flush peaks to encourage reblooming; new growth and flowers appear within 3–4 weeks. Deadheading individual spent stems during the blooming season also extends bloom. Cut all growth to ground level in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges. Divide in early spring every 3–4 years.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic