Troubleshooting
Lobed Tickseed problems — and how to fix them
Lobed Tickseed (Coreopsis auriculata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Powdery mildew in shaded sites
Shaded, humid conditions with poor airflow predispose foliage to powdery mildew. Thin crowded clumps, improve air circulation, and water at the base. The cultivar 'Nana' is particularly susceptible.
Slugs and snails
Low-growing, semi-evergreen foliage is attractive to slugs and snails, especially in moist woodland conditions in spring. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants or use copper barrier tape for container specimens.
Declining vigour in dense shade
Though more shade-tolerant than most coreopsis, deep shade (fewer than 2 hours of direct light) results in sparse flowering and thin growth. Move to a brighter woodland edge or prune overhead canopy.
Prevent lobed tickseed problems before they start
Most lobed tickseed issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for lobed tickseed in general rather than its problems? Read the full lobed tickseed care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lobed Tickseed problems — FAQ
Why is my lobed tickseed powdery mildew in shaded sites?
Shaded, humid conditions with poor airflow predispose foliage to powdery mildew. Thin crowded clumps, improve air circulation, and water at the base. The cultivar 'Nana' is particularly susceptible.
Why is my lobed tickseed slugs and snails?
Low-growing, semi-evergreen foliage is attractive to slugs and snails, especially in moist woodland conditions in spring. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants or use copper barrier tape for container specimens.
Why is my lobed tickseed declining vigour in dense shade?
Though more shade-tolerant than most coreopsis, deep shade (fewer than 2 hours of direct light) results in sparse flowering and thin growth. Move to a brighter woodland edge or prune overhead canopy.