Photo: The original uploader was Rasbak at Dutch Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Tansy: when and how to prune
Tanacetum vulgare
Tansy is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Tansy: when to prune it?
In March, cut the old stems back; in September, remove faded flower heads if you wish.
Tansy: how to prune it?
- Leave the stems with their dry buttons through autumn and winter: insects overwinter in them and birds search them for food.
- In March, cut all old stems back to 10 cm above the ground, before the new shoots appear.
- If you don’t want seedlings, cut the heads off in September as soon as they turn brown.
- Wear gloves: the sap can irritate the skin.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Poisonous plant: wear gloves and do not throw cuttings into a field with cattle or horses.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.