Tanacetum 'Giant Robinson Mix'

Tanacetum coccineum 'Giant Robinson Mix': Vintage Charm, Vibrant Colour

With its bold, daisy-like flowers in rich shades of crimson, rose, and pink, Tanacetum 'Giant Robinson Mix' brings a burst of cheerful colour to the early summer garden. Held aloft on tall, wiry stems above fine, ferny foliage, the blooms make excellent cut flowers and are naturally deer resistant. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this heritage perennial offers a bright, cottage-garden aesthetic paired with rugged reliability and a long-standing presence in traditional perennial borders.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm
• Flower Colour: Shades of crimson, pink, and rose with yellow centres
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Fine, ferny, deep green
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to slightly sandy soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Giant Robinson Mix' is ideal for cutting gardens, classic cottage borders, and early summer pollinator beds. Its tall, upright stems rise cleanly from a soft base of foliage, providing early vertical interest and vibrant colour just as the spring bulbs fade. A long-time favourite for its vintage beauty, it offers both aesthetic appeal and toughness in the landscape.

Companion Plants: Pair Tanacetum 'Giant Robinson Mix' with the soft blue foliage and starry blooms of Amsonia 'String Theory', the upright golden plumes of Sorghastrum nutans, and the vivid fuchsia-pink flowers of Dianthus 'Dragon Fruit' for a rich, textural mix that celebrates colour, contrast, and early summer charm.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment and in dry periods. Deadhead after flowering to encourage a tidier look or light rebloom. Cut back in fall or early spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour and prolong flowering.

History: Also known as painted daisies, Tanacetum coccineum cultivars like 'Giant Robinson Mix' have been treasured in perennial gardens for over a century. Their bold colours, fine foliage, and early bloom time keep them relevant in both traditional and modern designs.

Final Thoughts: Bursting with nostalgic flair and vibrant colour, Tanacetum 'Giant Robinson Mix' is a timeless choice for early summer beauty—bridging spring’s softness and summer’s heat with grace and energy.