Feverfew, known scientifically as Tanacetum parthenium, is a charming herbaceous perennial often found gracing garden beds and borders. This plant is recognized by its profusion of small, daisy-like flowers, typically white with bright yellow centers, which bloom atop slender stems. Its distinctive, deeply lobed, and aromatic foliage adds a feathery texture to the landscape, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and ease of care.
Understanding Feverfew Varieties
Feverfew varieties offer unique characteristics in flower structure, foliage color, and overall plant size. These distinctions allow gardeners to choose a feverfew that best suits their aesthetic preferences and specific garden conditions. Some varieties showcase double-petaled blooms, creating a fuller appearance, while others feature golden foliage, providing year-round visual interest.
Popular Feverfew Varieties
‘Snowball’
‘Snowball’ is a widely recognized feverfew variety, celebrated for its densely packed, fully double white flowers. These button-like blooms create a fluffy, pom-pom effect, reminiscent of miniature snowballs. ‘Snowball’ typically reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches, blooming profusely from early summer into the autumn months. Its compact growth habit and abundant flowers make it suitable for borders or container plantings.
‘Golden Feather’
‘Golden Feather’ stands out for its vibrant, chartreuse-to-golden foliage. This variety produces classic single white daisy flowers with yellow centers, but its bright leaves provide continuous color. ‘Golden Feather’ generally grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches, offering a striking contrast against green-leafed plants. Placing it in full sun may cause the foliage to scorch, so a spot with afternoon shade is often preferable.
‘Virgin Mary’
The variety ‘Virgin Mary’ is a traditional feverfew, noted for its abundant clusters of single white flowers with prominent yellow centers. Its blooms are particularly attractive to pollinators. This variety tends to be slightly taller, often reaching 24 to 36 inches, and has a more open, airy growth habit compared to the double-flowered types. Its prolific self-seeding ensures a continuous presence in the garden.
Choosing the Right Feverfew for Your Garden
Selecting the appropriate feverfew variety depends on your garden’s design goals and conditions. If you desire a bold visual impact and a more formal aesthetic, varieties like ‘Snowball’ with their double white flowers can provide a dense, fluffy texture. For brighter foliage and year-round color, ‘Golden Feather’ offers striking golden-green leaves. Consider your available space; taller varieties may suit background planting, while more compact types are well-suited for containers or the front of a border. Personal preference for flower form—whether you favor the classic single daisy or the more elaborate double blooms—will guide your decision.
General Care for Feverfew
Feverfew thrives in locations receiving full sun to partial shade, typically requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. While adaptable, it prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Consistent moisture is beneficial, especially during dry periods, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent over-saturation. These plants generally do not require heavy fertilization; incorporating some compost into the soil at planting time often provides sufficient nutrients for the growing season. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can prolong the blooming period and prevent excessive self-seeding, which feverfew is prone to. Trimming back the plant after the main flush of blooms can also encourage a second, smaller bloom cycle. Feverfew is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to many garden settings.