Chrysanthemum parthenium (Feverfew) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum parthenium is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum parthenium grows best in full sun, and tolerates fertile and well-manured loam soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2–H5 depending on group. Suggested uses include ornamental and medicinal. It is native to Europe and Asia Minor.

About

Chrysanthemum parthenium is a perennial in the Asteraceae grown for its upright, multi-stemmed habit and lobed, aromatic foliage. It flowers from August to October. The leaves are mid to grey-green and have a mild, somewhat bitter scent when crushed. The plant prefers full sun on fertile, well-manured loam in a south or west-facing, sheltered spot and is mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tanacetum parthenium

About the genus

Chrysanthemums, sometimes abbreviated to mums or chrysanths, are perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Asteraceae that bloom in the autumn. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia, and the center of diversity is in China.

Wikipedia contributors, "Chrysanthemum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chrysanthemum

In the garden

Chrysanthemum parthenium originates in Europe and Asia Minor and belongs to the aster family. It forms an upright, multi-stemmed clump of lobed, aromatic leaves and provides summer-to-autumn interest with its flowering run from August to October. Historically it has been used medicinally and is also grown for ornament. For reliable growth place it in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Soil should be moist but well drained and the plant benefits from a south or west-facing, sheltered aspect. Hardiness ranges from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy) depending on group, which corresponds roughly to USDA zones 5–9; some types will need winter protection in the coldest sites while others tolerate an open border. Use Feverfew in herb beds or mixed borders where a south- or west-facing position can be provided; its aromatic foliage contrasts with broader-leaved perennials and it has both ornamental and medicinal uses. Crush a leaf to check the mild, somewhat bitter scent before using, and remember the foliage is mildly toxic if taken in quantity.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Chrysanthemum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Fertile, well-manured loam
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2–H5 depending on group

Plant details

Chrysanthemum parthenium size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Suggested uses: Ornamental, medicinal
Native to: Europe, Asia Minor
Fragrance: Mild, somewhat bitter
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum parthenium

Cultivation: These are hungry plants: feed and water generously right through the growing season. Stop the growing tips in early summer to build a branching, well-furnished plant, stake before the flower weight arrives, and lift tender or exhibition kinds after flowering to overwinter the stools in a frost-free frame.
Pruning: Pinch out growing tips in late spring and early summer to encourage branching. Cut stems down to about 15cm after flowering, then lift for storage where the cultivar is not reliably hardy.
Propagation: Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.
Pest resistance: Aphids, leaf miner, capsid bug and earwigs all favour the soft growth; eelworm affects long-established stools.
Disease resistance: Susceptible to white rust and powdery mildew under glass or in crowded plantings, so ventilation is essential.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Chrysanthemum parthenium?

These are hungry plants: feed and water generously right through the growing season. Stop the growing tips in early summer to build a branching, well-furnished plant, stake before the flower weight arrives, and lift tender or exhibition kinds after flowering to overwinter the stools in a frost-free frame.

Where is the best place to plant Chrysanthemum parthenium?

Chrysanthemum parthenium prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum parthenium need?

Chrysanthemum parthenium grows best in fertile and well-manured loam soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.

How do I prune Chrysanthemum parthenium?

Pinch out growing tips in late spring and early summer to encourage branching. Cut stems down to about 15cm after flowering, then lift for storage where the cultivar is not reliably hardy.

Is Chrysanthemum parthenium hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum parthenium has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.

How do I propagate Chrysanthemum parthenium?

Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.

Is Chrysanthemum parthenium toxic?

Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

More in the Chrysanthemum genus

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