Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)

Light:

Full sun to light shade

Flowering:

June through August

Soil:

Well-drained

Height:

16 to 20 inches

Color:

White with yellow centers

Hardiness:

Hardy to zone 4

Uses:

Border front. cover for difficult spots

Care:

Very easy. Pinch in spring to encourage bushiness. self sows profusely. no serious pests. Nice cut flower.

Native:

No

Comments:

Feverfew is a member of the daisy family as apparent in its multitude of small daisy-like, white and yellow blooms. It is often listed as an herb and has recently gained considerable attention for its pain relieving ability. The variety that I sell is "Ultra Double White." It is a fairly tall variety at 18 to 24 inches making it useful in bouquets. It is covered with masses of double flowers from early summer to early fall. The longest bloom period can be obtained with regular deadheading.

Feverfew does best in a well-drained soil in full sun - though it will tolerate a lightly shaded area. It is a plant that can quickly exhaust itself and be rather short lived. To overcome this one can practice frequent division - perhaps as often as every year. Another approach is to rely on the plant's prolific ability to self sow as a means of ensuring new, vigorous plants each year. The seedlings will come quite true. Older plants that are woody and rangy should be removed to allow space for new seedlings to develop.