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Large flowered tickseed · Coreopsis grandiflora

Why are my Coreopsis grandiflora leaf tips turning brown?

Brown tips on your tickseed are usually a sign of underwatering or heat stress. Check the soil moisture to see if the plant has gone too long without a deep drink.

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Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture to see if it is bone dry.
  2. Inspect the new growth for tiny clusters of aphids.
  3. Observe if the plant wilts during the hottest part of the day.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaf tips turn crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf may look dull or wilted. This happens when the soil dries out completely for too long.

    What to do: Water the plant deeply until moisture reaches the root zone. Aim to water every 5 to 10 days depending on the heat and rainfall in your area.

  2. Aphid Damage

    Possible

    How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but aphid infestations on new growth can cause the tips of leaves to distort and turn brown. Look for tiny green or black insects clustered on the stems or buds.

    What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap to treat the affected areas in the evening.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your large flowered tickseed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if the browning continues to spread despite regular watering. It is normal for the very tips to brown slightly during extreme heat waves or at the end of the growing season.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and apply a layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool. Keep an eye out for pests during the spring growth flush.

Large flowered tickseed: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your large flowered tickseed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Should I trim off the brown tips?
You can trim them off for aesthetic reasons using clean scissors. It won't hurt the plant, but it won't fix the underlying cause.
Is my plant dying if the tips are brown?
Not necessarily, as it is often just a sign of stress from heat or lack of water. Adjust your care and the plant should recover with new growth.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Large flowered tickseed

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This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.