Tanacetum vulgare

Tanacetum vulgare is a pincushion or dome-headed bloom with ferny, aromatic foliage which is often found growing wild on disturbed ground and roadside verges. A UK native which can reach a height of 1m with a spread of 50cm and blooms between June and October each year. Tanacetum vulgare is often grown in larger herb gardens or as a companion plant in a vegetable garden as it is a repellent to certain species of unwanted insects - particularly flies and ants. Can also be used to repel these insects in the home and is often dried to use as a long-lasting cut flower. From a medicinal perspective it is said to have biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties though little evidence exists to support these claims. Tanacetum vulgare likes to be planted in poor soil and is happiest in a site which enjoys full sun. A fully hardy perennial which requires little or no maintenance other than cutting back the faded flower heads in autumn. Plants will naturalise in the right conditions.