and is not a major maintenance issue.
related plantS Tanacetum
corymbosum has neater, clean-cut
foliage. It is a longer lived species,
although it is not readily available.
Grows to 3 ft. tall.
Tanacetum vulgare, tansy, requires
deadheading to prevent seeding.
Plants spread invasively by under-
ground roots, especially in fertile soil,
requiring a good deal of maintenance
to control.Telekia speciosa
(syn. Buphthalmum speciosum)
scented oxeye
compoSitaeYellow daisylike flower heads; large, coarse,
heart-shaped leaves
4–5 ft. high; up to 5 ft. wide
Full sun or part shade
Blooms June–August
Zones 4–7
pruning The flowers, which attract
beneficial insects, are long-lasting, but
they are produced rather sparsely for
such a large plant. Cutting back,
pinching, or removal of terminal
flower buds in an effort to delay bloom
or reduce height is not effective, and
deadheading doesn’t seem to do much
to prolong bloom. The deadheads are
unattractive, though, in their early
stages (they become more attractive
with age), so removal of a few of them,
to lateral buds, will prevent the
deadheads from detracting from the
beauty of the new flowers. As the last
flowers finish, leave the remaining
deadheads for the goldfinches to feed
on in early August and September.
Some of the large, coarse leaves may
become tattered by midsummer, and
removal by deadleafing improves the
overall appeal of the plant. If damage
is severe (often with periods of
prolonged drought), it is beneficial to
cut all the old leaves and flowering
stems down to the fresh foliage that
has developed at the base. Plants
blacken and turn to mush with frost;
cut off foliage in late autumn but allow
seedheads to remain for winter
interest, if desired.
other maintenance Plants prefer
moist soils, although they are tough
and will tolerate alkaline, poor, even
dry conditions for short periods.
Plants expand to great proportions
and so need to be given adequate
space. Normally self-supporting, but a
stem or two may bend over after a
heavy rain or later in the flowering
season. Scented oxeye does not
require frequent division unless to
control the spread.Tanacetum parthenium