A neat, mounded variety, covered with stunning, daisy-like scarlet flowers with splashes of yellow; tolerant of pests and drier soils; thriving in sandy and rocky soils; great as edging, or in containers; needs good drainage. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Ladybird Tickseed is smothered in stunning scarlet daisy flowers with brick red eyes and yellow streaks at the ends of the stems from late spring to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its narrow leaves remain bluish-green in colour throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. Ladybird Tickseed will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
