Tanacetum macrophyllum — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Tanacetum macrophyllum

Tanacetum Macrophyllum

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ON THIS PLANT

Tanacetum macrophyllum, commonly known as Bigleaf Tansy or Large-leaf Tansy, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. Native to the Caucasus region of Eurasia, it thrives in rocky areas and meadows at high altitudes.

This plant features large, deeply lobed, gray-green leaves that can grow up to 30 cm long. Its yellow, daisy-like flowers, which measure 2-3 cm in diameter, bloom from June to August on tall stems that can reach up to 1 meter in height.

Bigleaf Tansy has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly its anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, its strong scent has made it a popular choice as an insect repellent.

Beyond its practical uses, Bigleaf Tansy is also valued for its ornamental appeal. It brings a striking splash of yellow to gardens and landscapes. The plant requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil conditions to thrive.

In summary, Tanacetum macrophyllum is an attractive herbaceous perennial with both medicinal and ornamental benefits. It performs well under specific growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking unique and multipurpose plants.

A note from PlantMom

Rayed tansy shows strong resistance to disease and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Rayed tansy is well suited for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand much prior care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Tanacetum Macrophyllum.

Light

Rayed tansy does best with ample sunlight, which is vital to its growth and health. It can, however, tolerate locations where light is diffused; such conditions are found in its native habitat. Too little or too much exposure will, respectively, cause stunted growth or scorching of the plant.

Water

Rayed tansy thrives best in conditions that mimic its natural habitat, which includes occasional dry spells. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires watering only every 2 to 3 weeks. This plant does well outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall, making it an ideal choice for temperate climates where minimal human watering is needed.

Temperature

Rayed tansy is native to climates with temperatures between 41 and 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃). The plant prefers that temperature range and can be adapted to warmer or cooler environments if needed.

Fertilizer

Timing is essential for fertilizing Rayed tansy. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly up to early summer. Fertilizer promotes lovely blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

Pruning

Pruning rayed tansy in early spring is essential for promoting growth and better air circulation. It is important to remove dead stems and spent blooms to improve the plant's appearance and prevent it from self-seeding. Pruning not only helps maintain the plant's shape but also reduces pests and encourages vibrant foliage. For the best results, time your pruning to coincide with new growth, ensuring optimal development and consistent flowering.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Tanacetum
Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
30 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
49 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Turkey, Azerbaijan
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Rayed Tansy en Tansy-chrysanthemum
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How can I water my Rayed tansy plant in the best way?

To ensure excellent root development for your plants, follow these watering tips: 1. Place a garden hose near the plant base. Avoid spraying water directly on the leaves, as this can be detrimental. If the plants are outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, keep in mind that the leaves will require more watering. 2. Consider using bubblers, which can be attached to each plant to provide moisture to the roots. 3. Soaker hoses are also useful when adding or removing plants. They spread water evenly throughout the garden or bed, encouraging deep root growth. Remember to drain any excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering again. 4. Water at ground level to prevent the spread of diseases. 5. On a sunny day, it can be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. 6. Regardless of whether your plants are in pots or in the ground, remember that Rayed tansy prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

What are the sunlight requirements for Rayed Tansy?

Rayed Tansy thrives best in conditions that offer generous sunlight, essential for its growth and health. It requires full sun, defined as over 6 hours of sunlight daily, or partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also adapt to locations where sunlight is more diffused, similar to its native habitat. It is important to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to ensure plants get a balance of light and shade, promoting their well-being. Both insufficient and excessive sun exposure can lead to stunted growth or scorching of the plant.

What is the ideal temperature range for Rayed Tansy?

Rayed tansy thrives in climates where temperatures range between 41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 °C). The plant has a preference for this temperature range but can adapt to slightly warmer or cooler environments if necessary. It has strong cold resistance, so it doesn't usually need special frost protection measures during winter. However, if temperatures are expected to drop below -30°C, it's important to protect the plant by wrapping its trunk and branches with non-woven fabric or cloth. Additionally, before the first freeze in autumn, it's advised to water the plant abundantly to ensure the soil stays moist and frost forms, which helps prevent drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to Rayed tansy?

An overwatered Rayed tansy may display yellowing, dropping, and wilting leaves, as well as a generally dull and unhealthy appearance with mushy stems. Adjusting your watering schedule is advised when these signs appear. Wilting can also indicate under watering, leading to crispy and dry leaves. In such cases, check the soil for dryness and provide a thorough watering if needed. However, even with proper watering, the plant may still exhibit dryness and yellowing leaves due to root system damage. Once the plant recovers, the yellowing should cease. When growing Rayed tansy indoors, regularly check the moisture levels in the pot and avoid overwatering. Look out for signs of black spots, in which case, allow the soil to dry out for a few days before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so transfer the plant to a different pot if you notice discolored and slimy roots. Always take precautions to prevent root rot and ensure the soil doesn't become too soggy. When planting Rayed tansy outdoors, dig deeper and if the soil feels dry, it may indicate underwatering, requiring adequate watering to aid in recovery.

How can artificial lighting supplement sunlight for indoor Rayed Tansy plants?

Indoor Rayed Tansy plants may require artificial lighting to achieve optimal growth, especially in conditions of insufficient natural sunlight, such as during winter or in less sunny spaces. LED lights are recommended for indoor plants because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light the plants need. The intensity of artificial light should range from 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun plants, to 30-50W/sq ft for full sun plants. The artificial light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight and turned on for 8-12 hours per day depending on the plant's specific needs.

How does Rayed Tansy react to low temperatures, and what are the recommended solutions?

Rayed tansy has a good tolerance for the cold and thrives best at temperatures above 5°C. However, during winter, it's advisable to ensure the temperature remains above -25°C. If the temperature falls below -30°C, there may not be noticeable changes during winter, but come spring, branches might become brittle and dry, and no new shoots will emerge. To combat this, prune away any dead branches in spring that have failed to produce new leaves.

How frequently should I water my Rayed tansy?

The Rayed tansy prefers deep and infrequent watering. If they are planted in pots, it is important to soak them in a gallon of water each time, as the soil in pots dries out quickly. In cold regions, watering is necessary every 3 to 5 days. Watering early in the morning when the soil is dry, both indoors and outdoors, is recommended. Checking the soil is also a good way to determine if watering is needed. When the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry, it is time to water the plant. During hot days, it may be necessary to check the moisture daily, as the heat can quickly dry out the pot soil. If you have a garden, irrigation of the soil is required. In hot climates, watering once a week is sufficient. However, pay attention to the soil moisture and do not overwater, as this can cause root rot. If there is substantial rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. Rayed tansy typically grows during spring and fall, so adding mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep when they are outdoors can help conserve water. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering, while clay soil can be watered less frequently to avoid root rot. Keeping track of watering dates and observing for drooping leaves can help ensure timely watering.

What are the symptoms of insufficient or excessive sunlight exposure in Rayed Tansy?

Rayed Tansy exhibits several symptoms under suboptimal lighting conditions. Insufficient sunlight can lead to smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. Excessive sunlight may cause chlorosis (leaves turning yellow), sunscald (pale, bleached areas on leaves), leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching (brown, dry edges on leaves). These symptoms indicate the plant's struggle to adapt to its lighting conditions, affecting its health and growth.

How should Rayed Tansy be cared for in high temperatures?

During the summer months, it's essential to keep Rayed tansy under 32°C. Should temperatures exceed 35°C, the leaves may lighten in color, tips can dry and wither, and the plant becomes susceptible to sunburn. To help the plant recover, trim away any sunburned or dried parts. Relocate the plant to a shaded area, particularly away from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth. Additionally, water the plant in the morning and evening to ensure that the soil remains moist.

How much water does my Rayed tansy need?

The Rayed tansy generally needs about a gallon of water on a regular schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until you see water dripping from the bottom of the pot. Wait for the soil to dry before watering again. You can use a water calculator or moisture meter to determine the amount of water given to your plant in a week. During the flowering period, provide plenty of water, but let the moisture evaporate afterwards to prevent root rot. If the Rayed tansy is planted outdoors with adequate rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. When the Rayed tansy is young or newly planted, make sure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the Rayed tansy grows, it can rely on rainfall for survival. Only in hot weather or when there is no rain for 2-3 weeks should you consider giving the Rayed tansy a full watering during the cooler part of the day to prevent heat damage. Additional watering will be needed during long dry periods.

What solutions can improve sunlight conditions for Rayed Tansy?

To improve sunlight conditions for Rayed Tansy, consider gradually moving indoor plants to sunnier locations until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, utilizing south-facing windows and keeping curtains open. For large or non-movable plants, supplement with artificial light for at least 8 hours daily, or use professional grow lights. For outdoor plants, similarly, gradually adjust their position to increase light exposure without causing sunburn. Reducing obstructions, such as pruning tree branches that block sunlight, and transplanting smaller plants to sunnier spots during their dormant period, are effective strategies. It's important to note that parts of the plant affected by previous light conditions may not recover, but new growth should be healthy with proper light adjustments.

Should I change how often I water my Rayed tansy depending on the time of year or the weather?

The Rayed tansy is an outdoor plant that relies on rain for water, except during dry weather when it may need additional watering. In the spring and fall, the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet to promote healthy growth. In the summer, hot weather and lack of rainfall may require more frequent watering to keep the plant moist. During winter, the Rayed tansy needs less water as it goes dormant. Good drainage is important for this plant all year round, especially in the winter. When grown in pots, the limited root growth means they should be watered well, especially in summer. Deep soaking the entire root system once or twice a week is better than shallow sprinkling, which can encourage fungal growth. Don't let the Rayed tansy dry out completely even during dormancy. Avoid overwatering to prevent the plant from sitting in water for too long, as this can lead to death. Applying mulch can help reduce stress, save water, and promote healthy blooms.

PLATES
Tanacetum macrophyllum leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Tanacetum macrophyllum leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Tanacetum macrophyllum flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Tanacetum macrophyllum flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Tanacetum macrophyllum habit
PLATE 05 · habit
Tanacetum macrophyllum habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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