Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
Also known as
Bachelor's Buttons (Double Form), Maids, Maithes, Pale Maids, Pellitory, Common Feverfew, Feather-Leaved Tansy, Featherfew
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
40cm | Max | 60cm |
20cm | Min | 30cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Feverfew
Feverfew Overview
Tanacetum parthenium is a compact perennial herb with citrus-scented leaves and small daisy-like flowers. It has traditionally been cultivated as a medicinal plant and is commonly used to prevent migraine headaches. Feverfew is also an excellent insect repellent and often planted along the edges of plant beds.
Common problems with Feverfew
Pests include snails, slugs and the black fly. Using lime may deter them.
How to harvest Feverfew
Leaves and flowers can be harvested throughout the year. Cut the feverfew when the flowers are in full bloom. Tie the feverfew bundle at its stems with some twine and hang the bundle upside down to dry it. Feverfew will dry out best in a dark, airy and dry place.
How to propagate Feverfew
Seed
Start by planting the seeds indoors in containers in late winter and set out the seedlings in spring. Taking them outdoors, set plants at least 30 cm apart in all directions.
Cuttings
Cuttings should be made from the young shoots that start from the base of the plant. Insert into soil during Spring while cool.
Division
To propagate by division, lift the plants whenever the roots are in an active condition. With a sharp spade, divide them into three or five fairly large pieces.
Special features of Feverfew
Crop rotation
Practice a three-year cycle of Feverfew crop rotation.
Repels harmful insects
Feverfew acts as a repellent in the garden and keeps mosquitoes, gnats, ticks & fleas away.
Attracts useful insects
Other uses of Feverfew
Medicinal, insect repellant
Medicinal
Feverfew has been used as a herbal treatment to reduce fever and to treat headaches, arthritis and digestive problems.
Edible
The dried flowers can be made into a lovely tea or added to pies for an aromatic flavour.
Herbs
Whether its for their leaves or flowers, grow these plants nearby to use in culinary dishes.
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