How to Prune Lobed tickseed?

(Coreopsis auriculata)

Lobed tickseed, also known as Mouse-eared Coreopsis, Eared Coreopsis, Early Coreopsis

This perennial, known for its bright, daisy-like flowers and mounded foliage, thrives with regular pruning. For optimal growth, deadhead spent blooms consistently throughout spring to fall. Trimming back by one-third in early summer encourages a second bloom and maintains its shape. Cease pruning by late fall to avoid new growth that could be harmed by frost. Pruning not only stimulates lobed tickseed's vitality but also controls its spread and enhances its aesthetic appeal.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Lobed Tickseed?

Pruning lobed tickseed encourages more prolific blooming and robust growth, while also maintaining its desired shape for aesthetic appeal and garden tidiness.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Lobed Tickseed?

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Pruning in Spring is ideal for lobed tickseed as it removes dead or damaged foliage after winter dormancy, promoting healthy new growth. Late Summer pruning is beneficial for managing shape and size after the peak blooming period, encouraging a potential second bloom. Early Fall pruning helps prepare the plant for winter, but should be done well before the first frost to prevent new growth that could be damaged by cold. Pruning during these seasons aligns with lobed tickseed's growth cycle, ensuring vitality and prolific flowering.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Lobed Tickseed?

Bypass Pruners

These pruners are preferred for lobed tickseed because they make clean cuts that facilitate quick healing of the plant tissue. Their sharp, scissor-like action is ideal for snipping off dead or diseased foliage without crushing more delicate stems.

Garden Scissors

Lobed tickseed has fine-textured foliage that may require precision trimming. Garden scissors will allow the gardener to perform detailed pruning tasks and maintain the shape of the plant without causing unnecessary damage.

Pruning Shears

For older or woodier stems, pruning shears can provide the necessary power to make thicker cuts. Their handles and blades are designed to cut through stems up to about half an inch thick, appropriate for lobed tickseed's growth habit.

How to Prune Lobed Tickseed

Identify problem areas

Examine lobed tickseed carefully to identify any diseased, discolored, or withered leaves, and spent or withered flowers that require removal.

Disinfect tools

Before pruning lobed tickseed, sterilize your pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol or a household disinfectant to prevent the spread of disease.

Remove diseased leaves

Carefully snip off any diseased leaves from lobed tickseed close to the base but ensure to avoid cutting into the healthy tissue. Dispose of the diseased material properly.

Prune withered leaves

Trim away withered or dead leaves from lobed tickseed to enhance airflow and light penetration, which encourages healthy growth.

Deadhead withered flowers

Deadhead spent or withered flowers of lobed tickseed, cutting back to just above a leaf or bud to promote further blooming and maintain the plant's appearance.