Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' (Feverfew) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' 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 'Aureum' 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.

About

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' (Feverfew) is a perennial in the Asteraceae with aromatic, lobed leaves and an upright, well-branched habit. The foliage is mid to grey-green and deciduous, releasing a mild scent when handled. It flowers in the UK from August to October. The plant is grown both for ornament and for traditional medicinal use, but the foliage is mildly toxic if ingested.

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 'Aureum' is a European perennial in the daisy family valued for its scented, lobed leaves as much as for its late-summer flower display. It prefers a sunny, sheltered site on a south or west-facing aspect where the foliage and flowerheads can get maximum light. The species is deciduous and gives most interest in late summer and early autumn when it comes into bloom. Give it fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid reaction and keep the soil moist but well drained; heavy, waterlogged ground is unsuitable. Plant where it receives full sun and some shelter from prevailing winds. Hardiness is H2–H5, which translates to half-hardy through hardy in milder parts of the UK, so select a protected site or provide winter cover where winters are cold. Use it in mixed perennial borders, herb beds or gravel areas where soil fertility can be maintained; it suits sunny, sheltered corners and edges. The leaves are mildly aromatic and have a history of medicinal use, but they are mildly toxic if eaten, so avoid planting where children or animals might ingest them. The scent of the foliage is most noticeable when the leaves are crushed, making placement where you brush past the plant worthwhile.

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 'Aureum' 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
Fragrance: Mild, aromatic
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum'

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 'Aureum'?

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 'Aureum'?

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' need?

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' 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 'Aureum'?

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 'Aureum' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' 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 'Aureum'?

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

Is Chrysanthemum parthenium 'Aureum' toxic?

Mildly toxic if ingested.

More in the Chrysanthemum genus

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