Tanacetum 'Robinson's Giant Mix'

Tanacetum 'Robinson's Giant Mix': A Whole Paintbox of Pinks and Reds

Painted daisies come in pink, rose, red and white, like somebody couldn't pick a paint chip and bought them all. Big cheerful flowers over ferny leaves. INDECISION HAS NEVER LOOKED THIS GOOD.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Tanacetum coccineum 'Robinson's Giant Mix' (formerly Chrysanthemum coccineum)
• Common Name: Painted Daisy
• Height: 45–75 cm (18–30 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Single daisies about 8 cm (3 in) across in mixed pink, rose, red and white, with yellow centres
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Finely divided, ferny, bright green
• Features: Excellent cut flower

Where to Plant: Plant it in the middle of a sunny border, a cottage garden or a cutting bed. Its airy foliage softens bolder plantings.

Companion Plants: Baptisia australis grows into a 90 to 120 cm shrubby clump with blue flowers in May and June, just ahead of the painted daisies. Eryngium yuccifolium adds white button flowers at 90 to 150 cm from July to September, taking over after the daisies finish. Salvia Perpetual Purple™ sits in front at 40 to 45 cm with purple spikes from June to September. Give them all full sun and good drainage.

Plant Care: Give it full sun and well-drained soil of average fertility. Wet soil over winter is its main enemy, so avoid low, soggy spots. Water through the first season and during long dry spells. Tall stems may need a little support in rich soil or windy spots. Deadhead to encourage more buds, and after the main flush, cut the plant back hard to refresh the foliage; you may get a few later flowers. Divide every few years in spring or fall. The leaves and sap can irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when you cut it back.

History: Painted daisy is native from eastern Europe to Central Asia and Iran. It's one of the plants that produce pyrethrins, natural insecticidal compounds, which is why it's also called pyrethrum.

Final Thoughts: Deer leave it alone and the vase never sits empty. Plant a patch and let the colours fight it out. MIX IT UP.