Tanacetum coccineum Robinsons Red

The  Tanacetum coccineum 'Robinson's Red' is a variety of pyrethrum, also known as tansy, known for its use in organic insect control and its extreme robustness. This variety combines usefulness with beauty, with its brightly colored flowering in the form of pretty crimson red daisies with golden yellow centers. It thrives in any well-drained garden soil and blooms for a long time, from May to July, provided that faded flowers are regularly removed. It is an easy-to-grow perennial plant, not demanding,  accessible to beginners, ideal in gardens without gardeners to add interest to unassuming perennial beds. Excellent cut flower.

Tanacetum or Chrysanthemum coccineum is a plant of the aster family, which has characteristic inflorescences called heads. This robust perennial herbaceous plant, capable of living for 20 years, is native to mountainous regions of southwest Asia and the Caucasus, in Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, and Iraq (Kurdistan). It can be found even in dry and rocky areas of Afghanistan. 'Robinson's Red' is an interesting selection for its intense and deep red flowering. The plant forms a mound of finely cut foliage in a matte green-gray color, reminiscent of yarrow, aromatic to the touch, starting in spring. An adult plant will reach 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in) in height when flowering and will spread at the base over time. The flowering takes place from May to June until July, depending on the climate, and it can have a second bloom in September. The inflorescences are large heads measuring 6 to 7 cm (2 to 3in), composed of a row of dark red ligulate flowers surrounding a golden yellow center. This abundant flowering, if the soil does not dry out too much, gives way to seeds that easily self-sow in light soil, although not always true to the parent plant. The highest concentration of pyrethrin is found in half-open flower buds.

Pink pyrethrum, with flowers ranging in color from white to red depending on the variety, is an excellent garden perennial, floriferous and brightly colored. It can be invited into a wildflower bed, alongside yarrows, chamomiles, asters, and perennial chrysanthemums with staggered blooming periods. Some lightness and relief can be added to this scene by adding gauras, rosemarys, a few irises, and tall roses. It is also a popular plant in urban landscaping, as it performs very well in large containers where it often coexists with grasses, lady's mantles, salvias... Inspirational compositions to decorate the terrace: they remain decorative for a long time and require little water and maintenance.

Properties: pyrethrin, the active ingredient contained in the tissues of Tanacetum coccineum, does not have a selective action on the insects it comes into contact with. It is toxic to moths, thrips, earwigs, leafhoppers, caterpillars, aphids, Colorado potato beetles, whiteflies, gray worms... but also to pollinators, which are very useful in the garden. It also inhibits female mosquitoes by preventing them from biting. Place bouquets on your table and burn a few dried flowers on summer evenings.

Pyrethrin is also harmful to all aquatic organisms, including fish. Pyrethrin is a natural molecule that rapidly degrades upon contact with air and light. Its action is therefore immediate but limited in time.

Example of a recipe to prepare a natural insecticide solution that will be effective for 24 to 48 hours in dry weather.

Harvest the half-open flowers in dry and sunny weather, 5 to 10 days after the start of flowering.

Dry the flowers upside down in a dark, warm, and well-ventilated room.

Grind very finely or pulverize your dried flowers: the finer the powder, the more active the molecule.

To preserve this powder: in the freezer for 6 months or in an airtight container in a dry and dark place for 2 to 3 months.

Mix 500 ml of water + 1 teaspoon of powder + 1 teaspoon of natural liquid black soap.