Tanacetum coccineum, commonly called painted daisy or pyrethrum, is an upright, bushy perennial that typically grows 2-3' tall. Synonymous with and formerly known as Chrysanthemum coccineum. Daisy like single (sometimes double) flowers (to 3â across) feature white, pink or red rays and yellow center disks.
This plant is fairly adaptable, and regular water from rain in temperate zones keeps it happy. If there's a dry period of more than a week, give it a good drink to keep it happy and blooming. It doesn't do well in wet areas or standing water, so select a spot with good drainage.
The painted daisy loves sun, but grows quite happily in partial sun. Growing in pots means you can move it into sunnier spots during the growing season.
Feed your painted daisies after their first bloom with a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorous and potassium.
The painted daisy is not too fussy about soil but prefers a well-drained loamy, sandy soil that is not too acidic. Since the painted daisy is so hardy, and not overly susceptible to pests, it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, as long as it has good drainage. A top dressing of composted manure in the autumn will help keep the root system healthy.
Painted daisies need very little pruning. In the spring, pinch away dead flower heads. At the end of summer, cut the plant back with clean gardening shears so it will give you gorgeous autumn blooms.
Painted daisies are perennials in USDA zones 4-9, but are also great annuals in colder or hotter climates. They don't do well in very hot, tropical settings or growing zones above 10.
The painted daisy is not toxic for humans to ingest, but can be troublesome if handled. It can also cause problems for animals because, according to the ASPCA, it contains pyrethrins and other potential irritants. Eaten in large quantities, painted daisies can be poisonous to dogs and cats.
