Tansy ragwort
Jacobaea vulgaris · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tansy ragwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- June to September
- Adult size
- 60 to 150 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 4 to 9)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, even poor
Care
Exposure
Plant your jacobaea in full sun for abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade as well but will be less floriferous. Avoid dense shade which slows its growth.
Watering
Water regularly during its first year of establishment. Once well-rooted, it tolerates drought and needs little watering. Reduce watering in winter.
Soil and planting
Jacobaea prefers well-drained soil but adapts to poor, stony soils. Avoid constantly moist soils which promote root rot. No specific soil amendments are necessary.
Fertiliser
A balanced fertiliser application in spring is generally sufficient. Over-fertilising stimulates foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Poor soils suit its natural needs well.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to extend blooming and limit self-seeding. At the end of winter, eliminate dead stems. Light pruning after flowering helps to densify the shape.
Diseases and pests
Jacobaea is generally healthy and little affected by pests. In overly damp soil, watch out for root rot. Preventive sprays are generally not necessary on this robust species.
Did you know?
Ragwort jacobaea is renowned in medieval history as a dreaded "weed": it naturalised itself on European pastures and its presence in large quantities concerned farmers. Its name "jacobaea" may come from Saint James of Compostela, as pilgrims brought it back on their clothing. Today, it is appreciated in naturalistic gardens for its bright yellow flowers and robustness.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.