Finding a perennial that delivers true bi-color blooms without taking over your entire border is harder than it looks. Many dwarf coreopsis varieties fade to a single wash of yellow after the first flush, leaving you with a flat, forgettable patch. The Uptick series changes that by holding its gold and bronze-red contrast from late spring through late summer, all while staying in a compact mounded habit that resists flopping.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time dissecting plant specifications, comparing bloom periods and hardiness zones, and sifting through hundreds of verified owner reports to find the perennial varieties that actually perform as described.
coreopsis uptick yellow and red varieties combine a vigorous growth habit with a striking, long-lasting color contrast that few other tickseed cultivars can match in a compact package.
How To Choose The Best Coreopsis Uptick Yellow And Red
The Uptick series is a specific breeding line, not a generic coreopsis label. Choosing the right one means looking beyond the flower photo and understanding what the nursery actually ships.
Container Size: Pint vs. #1 Pot
A pint pot (roughly 4 inches) holds a younger, less-established plant that will need more time to reach full size. A #1 container (about 1 gallon) delivers a mature, fully rooted plant that can be planted immediately and will bloom sooner. If you want instant impact in a border, go with the #1 pot. For budget-friendly trial planting, a pint pot works fine as long as you give it an extra season to bulk up.
Confirmed True Bi-Color Genetics
Not every coreopsis labeled “gold and bronze” holds its red eye through the entire season. Look for trademarked Uptick cultivars (like ‘Gold & Bronze’) that are bred specifically for stable color contrast. The red eye on these genetics remains visible even in peak summer heat, unlike older hybrids that revert to solid yellow as temperatures climb.
Hardiness Zone Matching
Most Uptick varieties are listed for zones 5-9, though some suppliers push down to zone 3 or up to zone 8. Verify your USDA zone before ordering. If you are in zone 4 or lower, a plant rated for zone 5 may not survive the winter without heavy mulching and protection.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coreopsis x Uptick ‘Gold & Bronze’ #1 | Premium | True bi-color blooms & fast establishment | 16 in. height, Zones 5-9 | Amazon |
| Coreopsis x ‘Tequila Sunrise’ #1 | Premium | Variegated foliage & reddish-brown eye | 15 in. height, Zones 5-9 | Amazon |
| Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ #1 | Mid-Range | Soft pale yellow, spreads wider | 18 in. height, Zones 3-8 | Amazon |
| Greenwood Uptick Gold & Bronze Pint | Mid-Range | Compact mounded habit & drought tolerance | 24 in. height, Zones 3-8 | Amazon |
| Daylily Nursery Coreopsis Nana 4in | Budget | Entry-level trial plant | Unknown height, Zone 4 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perennial Farm Coreopsis x Uptick ‘Gold & Bronze’ #1
This is the definitive Uptick variety for anyone seeking the true yellow-and-red bi-color effect. The plant ships in a #1 container (roughly 1 gallon), fully rooted and ready for immediate planting. The mature height of 14-16 inches stays compact without staking, and the blooms—golden-yellow with a prominent bronze-red eye—hold their contrast from late spring through late summer. Deadheading extends the show, and the deer-resistant foliage keeps the plant looking tidy without constant vigilance.
It is a trademarked cultivar, which means the genetics are stabilized to reliably produce that red eye under normal garden conditions. The hardiness range covers zones 5-9, and the plant attracts butterflies while working well as a cut flower. The only catch: Perennial Farm Marketplace does not ship to several western states including AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, and HI, so verify your location before purchasing.
Verified buyers consistently report that the plant arrives full and healthy, with some noting it outperforms local nursery stock in both vigor and color retention. The few neutral reviews mention slower-than-expected growth in the first month, which typically resolves with consistent watering and full sun exposure.
What works
- True bi-color blooms hold all season without fading to solid yellow.
- #1 container provides a mature, fast-establishing plant.
- Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly foliage.
What doesn’t
- Does not ship to several western states; check the restricted list.
- May arrive dormant if ordered between November and March.
- Slower initial growth reported in a few cases.
2. Perennial Farm Coreopsis x ‘Tequila Sunrise’ #1
‘Tequila Sunrise’ earns its place here because it offers more than just a flower—the foliage itself puts on a show. The leaves emerge with pinkish-red tints in spring, then settle into a creamy yellow and green variegation that holds through summer. The bright yellow blooms with a reddish-brown eye appear in May and June atop a compact 15-inch clump, creating a layered effect that single-color coreopsis cannot match.
This is a hybrid cultivar (PP9875) bred for visual complexity, and the variegation darkens to mahogany tones in fall, giving the plant a second act after the main bloom period. It ships as a fully rooted #1 container from Perennial Farm Marketplace, with the same western-state shipping restrictions as the Uptick ‘Gold & Bronze’. The plant is highly deer-resistant and attracts butterflies, making it a solid choice for pollinator borders where foliage interest matters as much as the flowers.
Owner reviews highlight the healthy, well-packaged arrival and the striking leaf color, though one reviewer noted that growth stalled after the first month, possibly due to watering inconsistency. Deadheading the spent blooms is essential to encourage a second flush.
What works
- Variegated foliage provides multi-season interest beyond the bloom period.
- Compact 15-inch habit fits small borders and containers.
- Highly deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly.
What doesn’t
- Same western-state shipping restrictions apply.
- Some plants may stall in growth without consistent moisture.
- Bloom period is shorter than the Uptick series (May-June vs. late spring to late summer).
3. Green Promise Farms Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ #1
‘Moonbeam’ is not a true red-eye variety—its blooms are pale yellow—but it belongs in this guide because it is the most widely available coreopsis that thrives in colder zones (3-8). If you are gardening in zone 3 or 4 where Uptick varieties struggle, ‘Moonbeam’ is your reliable alternative. The mature size of 12-18 inches tall by 24-30 inches wide makes it a spreader, unlike the compact Uptick series, so give it room to fill in.
It ships from Green Promise Farms in a #1 container, fully rooted and ready for immediate planting upon arrival. The plant is deer resistant and performs best in sandy, well-drained soil with full sun. The extended bloom period from summer to fall gives you color well into September, and the soft yellow tone pairs well with hotter colors in a mixed border.
Customer reviews on this product are sparse, but the cultivar itself is a proven performer in northern gardens. The main trade-off: you lose the red-eye contrast that defines the Uptick series, gaining instead a wider cold-hardiness range and a spreading habit that naturalizes over time.
What works
- Hardy down to zone 3, making it the best cold-climate option here.
- Spreading habit fills in gaps and suppresses weeds.
- Deer resistant and long-blooming into fall.
What doesn’t
- Pale yellow blooms lack the red-eye contrast of true bi-color varieties.
- Wide spread (24-30 inches) requires more space than compact Uptick types.
- Limited customer review data to confirm packaging quality.
4. Greenwood Nursery Uptick Gold & Bronze Pint
Greenwood Nursery offers a pint-pot version of the Uptick Gold & Bronze that covers a wider hardiness range (zones 3-8) than the #1 container versions, making it a better fit for colder regions that still want the bi-color effect. The mature height is listed at 18-24 inches, slightly taller than the Perennial Farm Marketplace version, and the mounded habit stays tidy without staking. The large gold blooms with a deep bronze center deliver the same visual impact, but the smaller pot means a younger plant that will take more time to reach full size.
The packaging approach here is thorough—potted plants are sleeved in craft paper and stabilized in corrugated boxes. Greenwood also backs each order with a 14-day guarantee from delivery, provided you contact them promptly with evidence if something goes wrong. The fine print notes they are not responsible for user error or negligence, so follow the planting instructions carefully.
Owner reviews are mostly positive, with several buyers praising the healthy condition and careful packaging. However, one verified buyer called the plants “very small and fragile” compared to local nursery stock, and another reported one of two plants arriving with soil displaced from the pot. This is the risk of pint-pot shipping: you save money upfront but accept a longer establishment period.
What works
- Wider zone range (3-8) suits colder and transitional climates.
- Compact mounded habit resists flopping without staking.
- 14-day guarantee provides recourse for shipping damage.
What doesn’t
- Pint pot yields a younger plant that takes longer to establish.
- Some buyers report small, fragile plants relative to local nurseries.
- Mixed packaging experience—soil displacement reported in a few cases.
5. Daylily Nursery Coreopsis Nana 4 Inch
This is the most budget-friendly entry point in the guide, but it is also the most limited. The listing identifies it simply as “Coreopsis Nana” without specifying a Uptick cultivar, meaning the genetics are not guaranteed to produce the yellow-and-red bi-color effect you might expect. The color is listed as “Gold, Green, Yellow,” and the customer photos show a solid yellow flower—not the red-eye contrast that defines the Uptick series.
The plant ships in a 4-inch pot, zone 4 hardy, and requires full sun with sandy soil. Daylily Nursery warns against ordering during extreme heat (over 95°F) or cold (below 32°F), as the plant is vulnerable to shipping stress. Most verified buyers report healthy arrivals and successful overwintering, but one reviewer said the plant did not survive despite careful care, and the seller was unresponsive.
If your goal is a low-risk trial to see if coreopsis works in your garden, this is a fine starting point. But if you specifically want the confirmed bi-color Uptick genetics, the Perennial Farm or Greenwood options are better investments for only a few dollars more.
What works
- Lowest upfront cost for testing coreopsis in your garden.
- Hardy to zone 4, suitable for northern climates.
- Multiple positive reviews reporting healthy arrival and blooming.
What doesn’t
- Not a confirmed Uptick cultivar; likely produces solid yellow flowers.
- Extreme weather during shipping can damage the plant.
- No seller response reported in a negative review case.
Hardware & Specs Guide
Container Size: Pint vs. #1
A pint pot (roughly 4 inches wide) holds a younger, less-established plant that needs an extra growing season to reach full size. A #1 container (about 1 gallon) delivers a mature, fully rooted plant that blooms sooner and establishes faster in the ground. For immediate garden impact, choose #1. For patience and a lower upfront cost, the pint works.
Bi-Color Genetics and Trademarked Cultivars
The Uptick series includes trademarked varieties like ‘Gold & Bronze’ that are bred for stable yellow-and-red contrast. Unlabeled “Coreopsis Nana” or generic listings may produce solid yellow flowers. To guarantee the gold-with-red-eye effect, look for the trademark (PPAF or PP9875) in the product description.
USDA Hardiness Zone Matching
Most premium Uptick varieties are rated for zones 5-9. The Greenwood Nursery version pushes down to zone 3, and ‘Moonbeam’ covers zones 3-8. If you live in zone 4 or lower, prioritize options with zone 3 or 4 ratings to ensure winter survival.
Deadheading for Extended Bloom
Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages the Uptick series to produce a second flush of blooms and keeps the plant looking tidy. Without deadheading, the bloom period shortens and the plant may drop seed and naturalize, which reduces the compact habit.
FAQ
Does Coreopsis Uptick Yellow And Red really hold its bi-color all season?
What is the difference between a pint pot and a #1 container for coreopsis?
Can I grow Coreopsis Uptick Yellow And Red in a container?
Why does Perennial Farm Marketplace restrict shipping to certain states?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the coreopsis uptick yellow and red winner is the Perennial Farm Coreopsis x Uptick ‘Gold & Bronze’ #1 because it delivers confirmed bi-color blooms from a mature container, establishing quickly in zones 5-9. If you want variegated foliage that adds interest beyond the flowers, grab the Coreopsis ‘Tequila Sunrise’. And for cold-climate gardeners in zone 3 or 4, nothing beats the Greenwood Nursery Uptick Gold & Bronze Pint for its wider hardiness range and drought tolerance.