Aromatic and repellent perennials

Common Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Product code : ​

Hardy aromatic perennial with golden flowers and decorative foliage.
4 99 $
Pay in 4 interest-free payments with Sezzle
Detailed plant guide
Advice adapted to Canada
Secure payment
Share
Quantity
Minimum 200 seeds
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3 to 8

Discover the plant

Common nameCommon Tansy
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusTanacetum
Speciesvulgare
Cultivar
TypePerennial plant
Botanical nameTanacetum vulgare
Reproducible seedsYes

Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a hardy perennial recognized for its finely divided foliage, aromatic scent, and numerous golden yellow flower heads arranged in flat clusters. Its summer flowering adds bright colour to natural gardens, borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Easy to grow in Quebec, this resilient plant returns year after year and maintains ornamental value through its textured foliage and extended blooming period.

Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with well-drained loamy to sandy soil. Once established, it tolerates dry periods very well and requires little watering. Its vigorous growth allows it to quickly form attractive clumps, while occasional division helps maintain balanced growth. In Quebec and Canadian gardens, it offers excellent hardiness and reliable low-maintenance performance.

Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) provides ecological value by attracting bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Its aromatic foliage has traditionally been associated with horticultural uses as a repellent plant, but it is not intended for food use. It combines well with yarrow, monarda, and rudbeckia to create biodiversity-rich gardens. Its late-season flowers help support pollinators when many other plants have finished blooming.

Tanaisie commune en fleurs, plante vivace aux fleurs jaunes.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

2 to 3 mm

Spacing / density

45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)

Germination temperature

18 to 22 °C

Germination time

10 to 21 days

Sowing period

Spring or fall

Propagation

Seeds, clump division, and offsets

Growing method

Surface sow the seeds or cover them with a very thin layer of growing medium in spring or autumn. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, then space the seedlings to promote good air circulation. This hardy perennial adapts to many well-drained soils and becomes drought tolerant once established. Over time it forms dense colonies that help suppress weeds while providing abundant late-season flowers for pollinators.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Minimum temperature

-40 °C (-40 °F)

Care level

Moderate

Drought tolerance

Yes

Watering

Moderate

Soil type

Well-drained loamy to sandy soil

Fertilization

Light mature compost in spring

Moisture

Low to moderate; avoid waterlogged soil

Seasonal care

Remove dry stems, limit self-seeding, and divide clumps when needed.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)
Common Tansy grows well in large containers filled with a light, fertile, well-drained growing medium. This hardy perennial adapts easily to container culture and requires little maintenance once established. A sunny location encourages compact growth and abundant flowering. Because it can become vigorous, divide established clumps periodically to maintain a balanced size.
Tanaisie commune en fleurs, plante vivace aux fleurs jaunes.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

1.5 m

Width / spread

90 cm

Flower color

Golden yellow

Foliage color

Dark green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Fast to moderate

Growth habit

Upright, robust and rhizomatous

Fragrance

Strongly aromatic, camphor-like foliage

Bloom period

July to September

Fruiting

Achenes after flowering

Days to maturity

Usually flowers in the second year

Harvest

August to October
Tanaisie commune en fleurs, plante vivace aux fleurs jaunes.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Yarrow, wild bergamot, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower

Plants to avoid

Ligularia, marsh marigold, plants requiring wet soils

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Common Tansy be sown?
Seeds can be sown in spring or autumn in well-drained soil. Germination is generally rapid when temperatures remain mild.
Does Common Tansy attract pollinators?
Yes. Its nectar-rich flowers attract many bees, hoverflies, pollinating beetles, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Is Common Tansy a repellent plant?
Common Tansy can gradually spread through both underground roots and self-seeding. Occasional thinning or division keeps its growth under control.
Is it hardy in Quebec?
Yes. Its aromatic foliage has traditionally been valued as a companion plant that may help discourage certain garden pests.
Can it be eaten?
Absolutely. Common Tansy is exceptionally hardy and survives Canadian winters reliably throughout most regions.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects