Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a member of the Asteraceae, or sunflower, family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but is now found throughout the world.
The herb has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including headaches, stomach pain, migraines and fever. A recent study conducted has revealed that people involved in the survey felt better after taking 2-3 fresh feverfew leaves daily. However, it is better to stop consuming the leaves during and after surgery.
Feverfew is an annual plant that typically grows to a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). The plant has oblong leaves that are deeply divided into narrow lobes. The small white flowers are borne in clusters at the end of each branch.
Essentials
Soil composition and ph levels for Feverfew plants
Soil Composition and Ph Levels for Feverfew Plant:
🌿 Feverfew plants prefer sandy loam soil that is slightly alkaline with a pH level between 6.0 to 6.7.
🌿 The soil should be well-draining and have plenty of organic matter.
🌿 Compost or manure can be added to the soil to improve its quality.
🌿 Feverfew plants are tolerant of drought and can even prosper in poor soils as long as they are well-drained.
🌿 Too much water can cause the roots to rot, so it is important not to overwater.
Watering Feverfew plants
🌿 Water the plant deeply and less frequently to encourage deep rooting.
🌿 Water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.
🌿 Water at the base of the plant, keeping the leaves dry to prevent disease.
🌿 Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
🌿 Feverfew plants are drought tolerant once they are established, so don’t be afraid to let them go a little bit dry between waterings.
Do Feverfew plants yield flowers?
Yes, feverfew plants bear flowers.
The small white blooms typically appear in early summer and can last through early fall. Each flower has approximately 15-20 petals and a central yellow disk.
In addition to being visually pleasing, the flowers of feverfew plants are also rich in nectar, making them a popular choice for bees and other pollinators. The Feverfew plant does not produce fruit.
Propagation of Feverfew plants
Propagation of Feverfew plants can be done either by seeds or stem cuttings. For stem cuttings, take a 6-inch cutting from a well-established plant in late spring or early summer.
Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip them in the rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and place it in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and the cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
For growing feverfew plants from seeds, sow the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Sow the seeds on the surface of moistened potting mix and place the pots in a warm, sunny location.
Keep the soil moist and the seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them so that only the strongest plant remains. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them for another few weeks before planting them out in their permanent location.
Propagation by stem cuttings is usually quicker and more successful than propagation by seed. However, both methods will ultimately result in healthy, vigorous plants.
Pests and diseases in Feverfew plants
Pests and diseases are common in Feverfew plants. Pests include aphids, mites, and whiteflies. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
Mites can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and drop off. Whiteflies infest the leaves of the plant and can cause them to turn brown and die. Diseases Affecting Feverfew Plants include downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust, and Verticillium wilt.
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and drop off. Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to become covered in white powder.
Rust is a fungal disease that affects the stems of the plant, causing them to become weak and break. Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot.
Pests and diseases can be controlled by using pesticides and fungicides. Pesticides should be applied when pests are first noticed on the plant.
Fungicides should be applied when diseases are first noticed on the plant. Pests and diseases can also be controlled by maintaining proper cultural practices.
Proper cultural practices include watering during periods of drought, fertilizing during periods of growth, pruning during periods of dormancy, and applying mulch around the base of the plant.
Irritation to pets from Feverfew plants
Irritation to pets from Feverfew plant. Irritation to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract can occur if a pet comes into contact with the plants in the Asteraceae family, such as feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile), and echinacea (Echinacea spp.).
These plants contain derivatives of pyrethrin, which is an ingredient in many insecticides and acaricides. The signs of irritation from these plants include drooling, Pawing at the face and mouth, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Itching and redness of the skin.
In severe cases, difficulty breathing may occur. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with one of these plants, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Varieties of Feverfew plants
There are several varieties of feverfew plants, including:
🌿 Common feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
🌿 Feverfewleaf buckthorn (Rhamnus viridis)
🌿 Sickleflower feverfew (T. squarrose)
🌿 Field poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
Each of these plants has a slightly different appearance and medical properties.
For instance, common feverfew is often used to treat headaches and migraines, while field poppy is more commonly used as an ornamental plant.
As a result, it is important to choose the right variety of feverfew for your particular needs.
Growing Feverfew plants in containers and pots
Growing Feverfew plant in containers and pots is a great way to add color and interest to your home or garden. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
🌿 Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. This will give the roots enough room to spread out.
🌿 Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix. Feverfew does not like wet feet, so make sure the mix is loose and airy.
🌿 Water the plant well, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
🌿 Place the container in a sunny spot. Feverfew prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
🌿 Fertilize the plant once a month with a water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
🌿 Cut back the plant in late fall or early winter to encourage fresh growth in the spring.
Growing feverfew in containers is a great way to enjoy this pretty plant year-round.
Caring for Feverfew plants
Here are some tips for caring for your Feverfew plant:
🌿 Water regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy
🌿 Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer)
🌿 Provide plenty of bright indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight
🌿 Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushiness
🌿 Repot every 2-3 years as needed
Companion plants for Feverfew plants
Companion plants for Feverfew plants include the following: calendula, chamomile, dill, garlic, Gotu kola, lemon balm, marigold, nettle, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, Saint John’s wort, tansy.
These plants have mutually beneficial relationships with each other. For example, calendula attracts predators of Feverfew plants; chamomile improves Feverfew’s flavor, and garlic improves Feverfew’s growth and health.
Companion planting is an important gardening technique that can help improve yields and reduce pests.
Planting and spacing for Feverfew plant
Planting and spacing for Feverfew plant:
🌿 Plant feverfew in full sun or partial shade.
🌿 Choose a site with well-drained soil.
🌿 Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
🌿 Set plants so that the crown (where the leaves emerge from the stem) is level with or slightly above the soil surface.
🌿 Firm the soil around each plant and water sufficiently.
Best time for growing Feverfew plants
The best time to grow Feverfew plants is in early spring, after the last frost. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
To prevent self-seeding, remove spent flower heads before they go to seed. The Feverfew is a short-lived perennial that typically blooms for two to three years. After that, it will often decline and may need to be replaced.
Benefits of Feverfew plants
The Feverfew is a plant that has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The plant is native to China, but it is also found in other parts of Asia.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, feverfew is used to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Feverfew is thought to be effective in treating these conditions because it contains compounds that can reduce inflammation.
Additionally, the feverfew is sometimes used as a preventative measure against migraines. Some studies have shown that taking feverfew supplements can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. If you are interested in trying feverfew plants for migraines or any other condition, talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.
How long does a Feverfew plant take to grow?
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically takes 60-90 days to mature.
The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can be started from seed or transplanted from a nursery. Once established, the feverfew plant is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require supplemental watering. The plant will bloom from mid to late summer, producing small white flowers.
After blooming, the flowers will turn into small brown seeds that can be collected and saved for future planting.
The Feverfew plant can self-seed and will often reseed itself in the garden bed if conditions are favorable.
Can you grow Feverfew plants from cuttings?
The answer is yes, but it takes a little bit of work. Here’s what you need to do:
🌿 Cut a 4-6 inch piece of stem from a healthy Feverfew plant. Make sure the cutting has at least 2-3 sets of leaves.
🌿 Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone.
🌿 Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
🌿 Water the cutting regularly, and wait patiently for new growth to appear.
Are Feverfew plants invasive?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the answer is no.
Feverfew plants are not on the list of federally noxious weeds, and they are not known to be invasive in any state. However, Feverfew plants can spread rapidly if they are not kept in check, and they can become a problem in gardens and landscapes.
To avoid this, simply deadhead the flowers before they go to seed.
Does the Feverfew plant attract bees?
The answer appears to be yes, Feverfew does attract bees. All members of the Asteraceae family are known for being good sources of nectar and pollen for bees.
So, if you’re looking to attract bees to your garden, planting some Feverfew may be a good idea.
| Feverfew | |
| Water | Twice a week, moderately. |
| Soil ph | 6.0-6.7 |
| Sunlight hours | Full sun, partial shade |
| Pests and Diseases | Aphids, snail, slugs |
| Temperature | 60 deg F |
| Soil composition | Well drained, sandy or loamy soil |
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