Tanacetum cinerariifolium Seeds | Pyrethrum
LATIN NAME: Tanacetum cinerariifolium
COMMON NAME: Pyrethrum
Plant Profile
Tanacetum cinerariifolium, commonly known as Pyrethrum, is a perennial in the daisy family. Pyrethrum holds its white, daisy-like flower heads with yellow centres above finely divided leaves, and the whole plant stands in the neat, leafy clumps. It is a plant of open, sunny, deep, well-drained ground. Its open flowers are a reliable stop for bees and other pollinating visitors. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the daisy family, Tanacetum cinerariifolium contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Pyrethrum for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Pyrethrum is a fine, bright plant of border and study collection. It is a fine, bright plant of open, sunny, deep, well-drained garden. Give young plants deep, well-drained bed, and daisy-like heads will open through the summer. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Tansy and feverfew are storied herbs: feverfew leaf has human-trial support for migraine prevention, while tansy is a strong insect-repelling strewing herb too toxic for internal use; pyrethrum, their cousin, yields the natural insecticide.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Pyrethrum, and the process is uncomplicated. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Once established, Pyrethrum largely looks after itself. Once the young plants are away, there is little left to do but watch them grow.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Pyrethrum: