Jethro Tull Tickseed

Coreopsis 'Jethro Tull' is a compact tickseed with fluted golden-yellow flowers, green foliage and an upright, outwardly spreading, mounded habit. Its cultivar identity is clear even though sources classify it differently: the plant patent names a cross between Coreopsis auriculata and Coreopsis lanceolata, while Darwin lists Coreopsis × hybrida. Walters Gardens reports 18-inch height and spread, full sun, average water and USDA zones 4–9; Darwin lists a 15-inch height and zones 4a–9b. ## Flowering and garden use The bright flowers appear in early and midsummer and provide long-lasting cut stems. Walters lists this selection for borders, containers and mass planting, and notes that it attracts bees and butterflies. The compact habit also suits the front or middle of a sunny perennial bed, where the golden flowers pair well with purple-blooming salvias or hardy geraniums. ## Site and size Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Walters reports tolerance of acidic and neutral soil chemistry and a range from poor to fertile soil; once established, the plant is described as rather drought tolerant. Published mature size is about 15–18 inches tall and 18 inches wide, allowing for the differing breeder and catalog measurements. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry spells, then check the soil before watering again. Container-grown plants need more frequent moisture checks than established plants in the ground. Remove spent stems when a tidy display is desired. Sources: [Walters Gardens’ Jethro Tull profile](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=CORJT), the [Darwin Perennials 2026 catalog](https://catalog.darwinperennials.com/view/624266877), and [U.S. Plant Patent 18,789](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP18789P2/en).