Species tansy
off-white flowers with green leaves and stems

tansy

Tanacetum macrophyllum

Tansy (Tanacetum macrophyllum) is a hardy perennial flower, with daisy-like yellow blooms in late summer. It grows best in full sun and can reach heights of up to 2.5 feet. Its bright yellow flowers are strong in scent and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Also known as 'golden buttons', its aromatic foliage acts as a natural pest deterrent. In the past it was used for its medicinal properties, and dried bunches were hung in homes to ward off disease and evil spirits. Tansy is relatively easy to grow and may be seen in ornamental gardens or naturalized areas.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

White with yellow center Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water tansy (Tanacetum macrophyllum) regularly to maintain healthy, lush growth. Water the plant until the soil around it is moist but not saturated. Usually this means watering tansy about once per week, but it may need more or less depending on the potting mix, climate, and amount of sun the plant gets. After a few weeks, check to see if the soil is still damp 2-3 inches below the surface. If not, it’s time to water again. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause root rot.

sunlight

Tansy (Tanacetum macrophyllum) plants enjoy full sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day. This should ideally be during the mid-morning to mid-afternoon hours, when the sun is highest in the sky. While tansy can handle some shade, too much shade can lead to spindly stems and stunted growth. To ensure that tansy plants thrive, it's best to give them at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

pruning

Tansy (Tanacetum macrophyllum) should be pruned in late spring, as new growth is emerging. Prune for size control, improvement of appearance, and to encourage branching. Stems may be cut back to just above a bud or the stem may be cut all the way down to the ground. Younger plants may require more frequent and severe pruning to achieve the desired shape. Older plants may be lightly pruned every 2 to 3 years with a few stray stems removed as necessary. Dead, broken or damaged stems should be removed as soon as possible to prevent spread of disease or pests.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Tansy typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map