Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Although Tansy is a very useful plant it also has its problems. The major one being that it is to easy to grow. Yes it has attractive ferny foliage, and yes it has pretty yellow button like flowers in spring. However it can become a garden thug, if not controlled. It has a spreading rhizome like root system and sets seed easily, however it is valued by some gardeners.

Used beneath fruit trees, Tansy can be grown from seed and is a repellent to moths ants and borers. It is a member of the daisy family and is a hardy perennial that will reach around 1m (3ft) in height. Bright yellow flowers are like little yellow buttons.

Also known as Mugwort, Tansy can also be used in other companion plantings including, roses, peonies and near vegetable gardens.

Care

Preferring a humus rich moist but well drained soil it will spread fairly rapidly and flowering from late spring to summer can also be planted in spring.

Propagation is from seed or division. Seed can be planted at around 1cm deep and will germinate within 2 weeks if kept moist. Root division in early spring or autumn is usually successful as well.

Also said to be a useful addition to compost heaps where it speeds up decomposition. Some gardeners use tansy to make a spray for aphids, also used to deter fleas and flies.

Tansy control

Tansy can be a little invasive as it spreads by underground rhizomes as well as self seeding, so we suggest deadheading flowers before they set seed. In warmer climates it may be cut back in summer and a second flush of growth will bring it back to life.

You can buy Tansy seeds from the following suppliers