Overview
Tanacetum annuum is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Tanacetum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Tanacetum annuum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Portugal, Morocco, Andorra, Gibraltar, Spain, Channel Is., Monaco and France.
About
Tanacetum annuum is a herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae with a well-branched, rounded habit and deciduous foliage. It prefers full sun and suits well-drained loam or sandy soils across a wide pH range. Flowers appear from July to September. Native to parts of western Europe and north‑west Africa, it works well in cottage, wildlife and courtyard planting as well as mixed borders and beds.
About the genus
Tanacetum is a genus of about 160 species of flowering plants in the aster family, Asteraceae, native to many regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are known commonly as tansies. The name tansy can refer specifically to Tanacetum vulgare, which may be called the common tansy or garden tansy for clarity.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tanacetum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tanacetum
In the garden
Tanacetum annuum is a herbaceous perennial in the aster family, native to Portugal, Morocco, Andorra, Gibraltar, Spain, the Channel Islands, Monaco and France. As a member of Asteraceae it forms a multi-stemmed clump of deciduous growth and produces its display in mid to late summer, flowering from July to September. Plant this species in a sunny position on south-, west- or east-facing sites where soil drains freely. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered locations and will grow in loam or sandy soils across acid to alkaline pH, provided soil does not remain waterlogged. The plant is rated H7 (fully hardy) in UK terms, so established clumps survive winter temperatures experienced across the country. Use Tanacetum annuum in cottage and informal beds, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard planting or mixed flower borders where a mid-summer to early‑autumn presence is wanted. Sit plants where their July–September flowering can be enjoyed from paths or seating areas to make the most of the season when they are in bloom.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tanacetum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Tanacetum annuum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Portugal, Morocco, Andorra, Gibraltar, Spain, Channel Is., Monaco, France
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tanacetum annuum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tanacetum annuum?
Tanacetum annuum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tanacetum annuum need?
Tanacetum annuum grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Tanacetum annuum hardy in the UK?
Tanacetum annuum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Tanacetum annuum?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings.
