Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional perennial herb known for its small, daisy-like blossoms and aromatic foliage. This bushy plant features characteristic deeply lobed, light green leaves and grows in a mounding habit. Cultivated for centuries across Europe, Feverfew is valued for both its ornamental appeal and its historical role in folk medicine.
Peak Flowering Season and Duration
Feverfew generally begins its flowering cycle in the late spring or early summer months. Depending on the climate, the first clusters of small, white, and yellow blossoms typically appear around May or June. This initial flush marks the start of an extended blooming period.
The natural flowering window continues steadily throughout the summer and into the autumn season. It produces flowers until the temperatures drop significantly, often concluding only with the arrival of the first hard frost. This extended period makes it a welcome addition to gardens that require continuous summer color.
Gardeners can significantly prolong the display by practicing deadheading. Removing the spent flowers signals the plant to produce new blooms instead of dedicating energy to reproduction. Consistent deadheading helps ensure a continuous supply of fresh flowers, extending the bloom time well into October or even later in milder regions.
If the blossoms are not removed, the plant will readily self-seed, leading to many volunteer plants the following season. This tendency to drop seeds is why Feverfew can sometimes be considered aggressive or weedy in favorable conditions. The plant’s ability to bloom heavily over a sustained period solidifies its reputation as a rewarding perennial.
Cultivation Requirements for Robust Blooming
Feverfew thrives best when situated in a location that receives full sun exposure for at least six to eight hours each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, insufficient sunlight often results in fewer flowers and weaker, leggier stems.
The preferred soil type is well-drained with average fertility, as the plant is not particular about rich earth. Feverfew adapts well to a wide range of soil compositions, including sandy or loamy mixes, but it cannot tolerate heavy, waterlogged conditions. Poor drainage quickly leads to root problems, severely impacting the plant’s vigor and flowering capacity.
Once established, Feverfew exhibits moderate drought tolerance. For the most robust flowering, however, it benefits from consistent moisture, requiring approximately one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages a strong root system, which supports the plant’s sustained energy output for continuous blooming.
A neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH, ranging between 6.0 and 7.2, is suitable. An early spring application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients to support the heavy demands of its long flowering season. Ensuring the plant has sufficient space, typically 12 inches between individuals, also promotes better air circulation and prevents overcrowding.
Harvesting Methods and Traditional Applications
The plant’s aerial parts—the leaves and flowers—have the highest concentration of active compounds when the flowers are fully open. This period typically occurs around mid-summer, when the plant is in its peak flowering phase. Harvesting should be done on a dry, sunny day, waiting until the morning dew has evaporated.
When collecting material, stems should be cleanly cut using sharp shears. Leave at least four inches of the stem intact to allow for subsequent regrowth. It is common practice to remove no more than one-third of the entire plant at any one time to prevent significant stress. This selective harvesting allows the perennial to recover quickly and continue producing flowers for a later second harvest.
To preserve the harvested material, the stems are often tied into small bundles and hung upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to dry thoroughly. The leaves and flowers are ready for storage when they are brittle and easily crumble. Once dried, they are stripped from the stems and kept in an airtight container away from light to maintain their potency.
Historically, Feverfew was valued in herbal traditions for its use as a febrifuge, a substance used to reduce fevers, which gave the plant its common name. The plant has also been used as a remedy for various forms of pain, including headaches and inflammatory conditions. Early records from the 5th century suggest its use to treat injuries and ailments, cementing its place in traditional European herbalism.