Gold leaf tansy (Tanacetum vulgare 'Isla Gold')
Tanacetum vulgare 'Isla Gold' offers bright golden foliage, ideal for naturalizing. This drought-tolerant Gold leaf tansy shines in sun to part shade.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’, commonly known as gold leaf tansy, is primarily cultivated for its striking, finely-cut foliage that glows bright gold throughout the growing season. This cultivar of common tansy provides vibrant color contrast, distinguishing itself from the standard green species. It is an erect, rhizomatous perennial valued for its hardiness and tolerance across varied soil conditions.
While the species has a notorious reputation for aggressive spreading, the ‘Isla Gold’ cultivar is often considered slightly less weedy, though gardeners must still manage its tendency to colonize areas via rhizomes and self-seeding. Its bright yellow, button-like flowers appear in summer, usually held above the aromatic, fern-like leaves.
For gardeners seeking textural contrast and a durable, low-input plant for less formal areas, gold leaf tansy offers excellent value. Its strong presence thrives in full sun but appreciates partial relief from the hottest afternoon rays where summers are extreme.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ establishes well in average, well-drained soils typical of a garden setting. Planting in full sun encourages the best golden color; however, plants benefit from afternoon shade in very hot climates to prevent possible scorch. While easily established in dry to medium conditions, it performs better in moist, humusy soils, though this also promotes faster rhizomatous spread.
Care is generally low once established, aligning with its drought tolerance. Minimal fertilization is usually required, especially if planting in average soil. Water when the soil starts to dry out, but avoid consistently wet conditions.
Seasonal management focuses on controlling its habit. To manage self-seeding, shear off spent flower clusters immediately after July and August blooming concludes. Some gardeners opt to shear off the flowering stems entirely to focus energy on maintaining the desirable golden foliage of the gold leaf tansy. Be prepared for rhizomatous spread in rich beds; removal or control measures may be necessary to keep your Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ confined.
Landscape Uses
The vigorous nature of gold leaf tansy makes it best suited for naturalized areas, such as open banks or meadow-style plantings where its spreading habit can be utilized rather than curtailed. It is an excellent choice for cottage gardens where a relaxed, slightly wild aesthetic is desired, and where its texture can soften taller, more rigid plants.
While generally discouraged for formal borders due to potential invasiveness from rhizomes, it can be used as a bold, informal filler. When using Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’, plan for companions that can handle similar dry to medium moisture levels and full sun exposure while being robust enough to compete slightly with its colonization efforts. It serves as a dynamic, low-maintenance anchor in large landscape masses.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tanacetum vulgare, commonly called golden buttons or tansy, is an erect, rhizomatous, weedy perennial with aromatic, fern-like foliage. It typically grows 1-3’ tall. It is native to Europe and Asia, but was brought to the U.S. In colonial times for medicinal and horticultural purposes. Over time, it has escaped gardens and naturalized along roadsides, railroads, waste areas and along streams throughout much of the northern U.S. And southern Canada. Button-like yellow flowers (composites with rays absent or inconspicuous) appear in summer in compact, flat-topped clusters (corymbs). Strongly-scented, pinnately-divided, fern-like green leaves (6-8” long) are somewhat reminiscent of yarrow. Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, this plant has a long history of use as a folk medicine remedy for a number of problems including plague, colic, parasitic worms, fever, gout, digestive disorders and hysteria. Plant foliage has been used as an insect repellant. Flowers have been used in funeral shrouds and wreaths. Fresh leaves and flowers have been used as a substitute for sage in cooking. Dried leaves have been used to make teas. Notwithstanding its history, current uses of this plant in teas, food and medicine have now virtually disappeared. Plant oils contain an extremely toxic ingredient (thujone) that can be fatal when consumed in large quantities. Synonymous with and formerly known as Chrysanthemum vulgare.Genus name reportedly is derived from an altered form of the Greek word athanatos meaning long-lasting or immortal in reference to the long-lasting flowers and/or the everlasting qualities of the dried flowers of some species (in particular Tanacetum vulgare).Specific epithet means common.‘Isla Gold’ sometimes called gold leaf tansy, is a somewhat less weedy cultivar which is basically grown in gardens for its attractive golden foliage. It typically grows 1-2’ tall and features finely-cut, fern-like, pinnate leaves which are bright gold. Foliage is fragrant when bruised or crushed, but less so than the species. Button-like, yellow flowers (composites with ray flowers absent) appear above the foliage in summer in compact, flat-topped clusters (corymbs) somewhat reminiscent of yarrow
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
Potential Problems
This plant is generally robust, exhibiting no serious insect or disease issues under normal conditions. Spider mites can occasionally become a concern in drier, hotter environments, requiring minor localized treatment if infestation is noticeable on the foliage. The primary potential difficulty associated with Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ is behavioral: it can be very aggressive in optimum growing conditions due to its vigorous rhizomatous spreading and self-seeding.
Containment is key to success with gold leaf tansy outside of designated naturalized zones. If the spread becomes problematic, diligent pruning or physical barriers may be necessary. Always shear spent flowers if you wish to prevent unwanted seedlings from establishing across your garden spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Gold leaf tansy suitable for?
Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Gold leaf tansy grow?
This herbaceous perennial reaches a mature height between 1 and 2 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ need?
For best results, plant gold leaf tansy where it receives full sun to light part shade exposure.
When does Gold leaf tansy bloom?
The plant produces its yellow, button-like flowers primarily during the peak summer months, from July into August.
Conclusion
The key advantage of Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ lies in its exceptionally bright, low-maintenance golden foliage, which adds consistent year-round color interest to durable landscapes. If you are looking for a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that tolerates poor soil, gold leaf tansy provides excellent textural contrast. Before planting, ensure your site accommodates its moderate spreading habit, and check that USDA Zone 4-8 compatibility aligns with your local climate.
Companion Planting
When integrating gold leaf tansy into a garden plan, selecting companions that share its preference for dry to medium soils and full sun is essential for mutual success. Hardy perennials like Sedum (stonecrop), Echinacea (coneflower), or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) thrive in similar lean, well-drained conditions and offer complementary textures that contrast beautifully with the finely divided foliage of Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’.
Avoid pairing it with moisture-loving plants, as the tansy’s drought tolerance means it will quickly absorb available water, potentially stressing wetter-soil partners. In naturalized areas, allow it to mingle with native grasses that can help define its boundaries informally without requiring intensive edging maintenance.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation for Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold’ involves a light cutback of old, dead foliage from the previous season, which cleans up the appearance before new golden growth emerges. During the main growing season in summer, focus surveillance on controlling spread; if maintaining the compact shape is paramount, prune back flower stalks immediately after they fade in August.
If the plant appears overly aggressive during a wet season, consider cutting back a portion of the patch early in the season to restrict rhizome expansion into adjacent areas. In autumn, minimal care is required; this durable perennial generally handles winter dormancy without needing significant mulching or protection, provided it is established in its appropriate hardiness zone.
