Painted Daisy Tanacetum coccineum Robinson's red-flowered
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Robinson's Red Painted Daisy is adorned with vibrant, red flowers, which serve as its most striking feature. The flowers are daisy-like in form, boasting a central disk that is typically yellow or dark brown, surrounded by the radiant red petals that give this plant its distinctive allure. The red hue can range from deep to bright, adding allure to gardens and attracting the attention of passersby. The foliage of Robinson's Red Painted Daisy is also noteworthy, comprising of feathery, finely divided leaves that have a green to silvery-green color. These leaves provide a lush backdrop for the red flowers, creating a striking contrast that enhances the plant's visual appeal. The leaves usually emerge from the base of the stem or along the stem closely packed together, forming a dense, leafy presence. As a perennial, the plant returns each year to grace gardens with its colorful display. Growing in well-formed clumps, it will commonly spread out to fill the space allotted to it in a garden bed, and its showy blooms often make it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a splash of color to their landscapes. Its foliage and blooms together create a picturesque and vibrant scene that stands out beautifully against the green tapestry of a garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Painted Daisy, Pyrethrum Daisy, Persian Insect Flower, Persian Pellant, Robinson's Red Pyrethrum
Common names
Pyrethrum coccineum, Chrysanthemum coccineum, Chrysanthemum roseum, Dendranthema coccineum, Pyrethrum roseum, Tanacetum roseum, Tanacetum coccineum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Painted Daisy is considered to have a certain degree of toxicity to humans. While not usually considered highly toxic, ingestion of this plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, more severe reactions could occur, but these are less common. As with any plant, individual sensitivity can vary, and some individuals may experience stronger reactions than others. It is generally advised to avoid ingesting any part of the Painted Daisy plant.
To pets
The Painted Daisy is regarded as mildly toxic to pets. If pets ingest parts of this plant, they may exhibit signs of gastrointestinal distress, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, and a general malaise. In rare cases or with large amounts ingested, more serious symptoms could be observed. It is advisable to prevent pets from eating or coming into extensive contact with the Painted Daisy to avoid any potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet 60 centimeters
Spread
1 foot 30 centimeters
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Tanacetum coccineum 'Robinson's Red', commonly known as Painted Daisy, adds vibrant red color to gardens, creating visual interest and enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The brightly colored flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and aiding in plant pollination.
- Ease of Care: Painted Daisy is known for being easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought resistance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it a water-wise choice for gardens.
- Deer Resistant: Its natural resistance to deer browsing makes it a good choice for areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Long Blooming Period: Painted Daisy has a long flowering season, providing color from late spring to early summer.
- Cut Flower Use: The stems are sturdy and long-lasting, making them excellent for use in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Garden Design Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, flower beds, and cottage gardens due to its size and shape.
- Companion Planting: When planted alongside other perennials, it can help create layered, texturally diverse garden designs.
Medical Properties- Menstrual cycle regulation - Traditional use for promoting delayed menstruation.
- Anthelmintic - Historically used to expel parasitic worms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tanacetum coccineum, commonly known as Painted Daisy, can be used as a natural insect repellent when its leaves are dried and scattered in gardens to discourage pests.
- The bright, eye-catching flowers of the Painted Daisy can be used as a dye source to impart various shades of red, pink, or yellow to fabrics and paper, depending on the mordant used.
- As a companion plant in the vegetable garden, Painted Daisy can help attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which in turn help to control aphid populations.
- The petals of Painted Daisy can be used to add color to potpourris, bringing a dash of red while emitting a faint, pleasant fragrance.
- In floral art, the fern-like foliage and vivid flowers of the Painted Daisy make it a popular choice for decorative wreaths and natural art pieces.
- Gardeners may plant Painted Daisy as a border to define garden spaces, with its vibrant blooms creating a visual delineation between different garden sections.
- When dried, the stems and leaves of the Painted Daisy can be used to create rustic, textured paper through a process of pulping and pressing.
- Painted Daisy flowers can be pressed and used in the traditional craft of flower pressing, where they retain much of their color for use in bookmarks, greeting cards, and other decorative items.
- In educational settings, the Painted Daisy can be used to illustrate plant biology and processes such as pollination due to its attractiveness to various pollinators.
- The vivid hue of the flowers can be captured in photography, with Painted Daisy being a favored subject for botanical photographers seeking to showcase the contrasts and colors of garden flora.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Painted Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Painted Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The vibrant red flowers of Painted Daisy are synonymous with beauty and are often given as a symbol of admiration.
- Protection: Historically, members of the Tanacetum genus have been used for their insect-repellent properties, symbolizing protection and care.
- Healing: Painted Daisy also symbolizes healing due to its medicinal properties that have been utilized in various cultures.
- Survival: As a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions, Painted Daisy can represent survival and resilience.
WaterThe Painted Daisy (Tanacetum coccineum Robinson's red-flowered) should be watered deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the roots, but allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, watering once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant should be sufficient, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, but be careful to not overwater as the Painted Daisy does not like soggy soil. Adjust watering frequency to less often during cooler or rainy periods.
LightPainted Daisies require full sun to thrive, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for the Painted Daisy is in a location where it can receive uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting in shady areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
TemperaturePainted Daisies perform best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the temperature dips below 50 degrees for prolonged periods or soars above 80 degrees, the plant may experience stress, affecting its growth and blooming.
PruningPruning Painted Daisies helps to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and foster more blooms. Cut back the foliage by one-third after the first bloom to stimulate a second bloom period. Pruning is best done immediately after the first flowering cycle. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to improve the plant's appearance and promote further blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPainted Daisy, commonly known as Tanacetum coccineum 'Robinson's Red', thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand makes an excellent soil composition for this vibrant perennial.
RepottingPainted Daisy should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The plant can be divided during repotting to propagate new plants. It is best repotted in the spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingPainted Daisy prefers moderate ambient humidity levels typical of outdoor environments. Although it can tolerate some humidity variation, it does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleTanacetum coccineum 'Robinson's Red', commonly known as Robinson's red painted daisy, is a perennial plant that begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is sufficient. Once sprouted, the seedling develops into a vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems and establishing a root system. As it matures, the plant forms a clump of finely-cut, fern-like foliage, indicating it has entered the pre-floral vegetative stage. In early to mid-summer, the red painted daisy enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant red daisy-like flowers with a yellow center, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seeds, completing the reproductive stage. With the onset of fall and cooler temperatures, the plant enters dormancy, with above-ground growth dying back and the plant relying on its root system to survive the winter, before the cycle begins anew in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The Tanacetum coccineum, commonly known as the Painted Daisy, is typically propagated through the division of its clumps, best done in early spring or late autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring you retrieve the majority of the root system. Gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, each with some roots and shoots attached. Replant these divisions promptly in a well-prepared soil bed, spacing them approximately 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish their root systems. Division not only helps to create new plants but also invigorates the parent plant, promoting more vigorous growth and blooming in the following season.
