Machaeranthera tanacetifolia

RHS Plant Profile
Tahoka daisy

Other common names

dagger flower

Synonyms

Aster tanacetifolius

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

A clump-forming annual or biennial to about 60cm in height, with branched stems covered in ferny mid-green foliage, and clusters of delicate, daisy-like flowers to 2.5cm wide, with lavender to purple ray florets and yellow central disc florets, produced over a long period from early summer to autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in late winter or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back as flowers fade, to encourage a second flush of flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf miners and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free