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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Green, fern-like leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Pollinators like bees and butterflies

Perennials

Tanacetum macrophyllum

Rayed Tansy

Tanacetum macrophyllum, commonly known as Rayed Tansy, is a hardy perennial prized for its attractive, fern-like foliage and clusters of small, white, button-like flowers. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, this plant produces flat-topped clusters of densely packed flowers that provide a striking contrast against its deep green, deeply divided leaves. The aromatic foliage adds texture and visual interest to garden landscapes, while the flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.