Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' (White Bonnet Feverfew) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' 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 'White Bonnet' 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, borders and cut flowers. It is native to Europe.

About

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit and aromatic, lobed foliage. It bears flowers in August to October and is best grown in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam. The leaves are deciduous and mid to grey-green with a mild, slightly bitter scent. Handle the foliage with care as it can cause skin irritation and 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 'White Bonnet' originates from Europe and sits in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It produces summer–autumn flowers (August to October) above a tussock of lobed, aromatic leaves; the foliage is deciduous and described as mid to grey‑green. Flowering at this time of year makes it useful for extending interest into early autumn borders. Position the plant in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that is neutral to slightly acid and kept moist but well drained. A south or west-facing, sheltered spot will suit it best; winter hardiness varies by group (UK H2–H5), so some strains are half-hardy while others will tolerate average winter conditions—USDA zones 5–9 give a rough transatlantic reference. Avoid waterlogging and give good soil structure to support flowering stems. Use White Bonnet Feverfew in mixed borders or for cutting; its aromatic foliage and late-summer blooms work well in informal herbaceous fronts and among perennials that finish earlier. Take care when handling leaves and stems: the scent is mildly bitter and contact can irritate skin, so wear gloves when cutting stems for the vase to protect hands and keep the foliage scent from transferring to skin.

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 'White Bonnet' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Suggested uses: Ornamental, Borders, Cut flowers
Native to: Europe
Fragrance: Mild, slightly bitter
Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested, may cause skin irritation

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet'

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 'White Bonnet'?

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 'White Bonnet'?

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' need?

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' 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 'White Bonnet'?

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 'White Bonnet' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' 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 'White Bonnet'?

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

Is Chrysanthemum parthenium 'White Bonnet' toxic?

Mildly toxic if ingested, may cause skin irritation.

More in the Chrysanthemum genus

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