perennial

Painted Daisy

The Story

Plant Bio

Tanacetum coccineum, the painted daisy, is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native from Eastern Europe through Central Asia to Iran. It features soft, finely divided, fern-like green foliage that releases a strong aromatic scent when crushed, topped by solitary daisy-like flowers on individual wiry stems.

The flower heads display vibrant rays of crimson, red, pink, purple, or white surrounding a prominent, golden-yellow central disc. The foliage contains natural pyrethrins, which act as a highly effective deterrent against deer and rabbit browsing.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, daisy-like flowers in shades of red, pink, and white above delicate, fern-like foliage.

Contains natural pyrethrins that repel deer and rabbits, making it highly resistant to mammalian browsing.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with highly well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
Incorporate compost into the planting hole to improve soil structure without over-fertilizing.
Pinch back the young stems when they reach six to eight inches in height to encourage a bushy habit.
Water regularly during the first growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Pro Tip

Pinch young shoots when they reach six to eight inches tall to prevent the mature flowering stems from flopping, and ensure sharp soil drainage to prevent fatal winter root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back flowering stems to the basal foliage mound immediately after the first bloom flush to encourage a second round of flowers.
Divide the clumps every two to three years in spring to maintain plant vigor.
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or organic compost sparingly in early spring.

Don't

Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or heavy wet soils, especially during winter.
Avoid pruning hard into the old, leafless woody crown bases.
Do not over-apply nitrogen fertilizer, which causes weak, leggy stems that flop.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pinch
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage gardensMixed perennial bordersCutting gardensRock gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Coreopsis grandiflora Leucanthemum superbum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Painted Daisy questions

What zones can Painted Daisy grow in?

Painted Daisy is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Painted Daisy deer resistant?

Yes — Painted Daisy is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Painted Daisy bloom?

Painted Daisy typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Painted Daisy need full sun?

Painted Daisy does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Painted Daisy drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Painted Daisy handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.