BattenBlooms
PL. —Tanacetum partheniumBotanical illustration — drop image
Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew

SpringSummerFall
5a–9bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Not in bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a short-lived perennial in the daisy family, grown as an herb and ornamental. It produces clusters of small white flowers with yellow centers and aromatic, finely divided foliage. Gardeners value it for its long bloom period, its history of medicinal use, and its tendency to self-seed and fill gaps in a bed.

It grows easily from seed and tolerates poor soil. Sow seeds on the surface since they need light to germinate. Deadhead to extend bloom and limit self-seeding, which can be aggressive. Plants weaken after two or three years, so allow some volunteers or divide to maintain a stand.

Good companions
Calendula officinalisAchillea millefoliumMatricaria chamomillaLavandula angustifolia
Care guide
SunFull sun to part shade — 6+ hours preferred
Water1 inch per week; tolerates short dry spells once established
SoilWell-draining, average fertility; pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing12–18 inches
Height18–24 inches
Zone5a – 9b
Direct sowFrost hardy
Seasonal tasks
spring
watchCheck new growth for aphids on stem tips and undersides of leaves.
summer
cutDeadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom and control self-seeding.
cutHarvest flowering stems for drying when blooms are fully open.
watchInspect for powdery mildew during humid spells; thin crowded plants for airflow.
fall
cutCut back plants after flowering to encourage a second flush and tidy growth.
watchMark or thin self-sown seedlings to manage spread for next year.
Common problems

Powdery mildew

Symptoms

White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.

Treatment

Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.

Aphids

Symptoms

Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower buds.

Treatment

Knock off with a strong jet of water. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators. Insecticidal soap as last resort.

Aster Yellows

Symptoms

Deformed, greenish flowers, stunted growth, and yellowed foliage. Flower centers may produce tufts of leafy growth instead of normal petals.

Treatment

No cure. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to stop spread. Control leafhoppers, which transmit the disease, and remove nearby weed hosts.