Snowy tansy (Tanacetum niveum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Snowy tansy on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Snowy tansy
Tanacetum niveum, commonly known as Silver Tansy, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the Asteraceae family, valued for its finely divided, silvery-green foliage. It forms compact clumps reaching about 30-60 cm (1-2 ft) in height, offering a soft texture and attractive visual contrast in the garden. It is ideal for borders, rockeries, or as a groundcover in sunny areas, adding brightness and an ethereal touch.
Native range
Caucasus region, Turkey, and Western Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun to thrive and maintain its intense silvery color; partial shade may lead to greener foliage and a less dense plant. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained soils, preferably sandy or stony, and does not tolerate waterlogging. A common mistake is overwatering or planting it in heavy, poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Snowy tansy
- Warning signs
- Yellowish/brown, wilted leaves, losing silvery sheen. Soft or moldy stem base.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves, reduce watering, improve drainage. Move to well-ventilated, indirect light spot.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and humidity, especially in winter. Low light and poor ventilation.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's hardy but sensitive to waterlogging.