Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

How much light does a Feverfew need?

Feverfew grows best in full sun, which means six or more hours of direct sunlight each day. It also tolerates part shade, so a spot with some afternoon shade still works. Between the two, full sun is the preferred option for this plant. If you are deciding where to plant it, favor the sunniest spot you have, since full sun is listed as preferred and part shade as tolerated.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)¹

Best soil for a Feverfew

Feverfew grows best in soil that drains well, and it also tolerates soil that stays moist rather than bone dry. Ordinary garden soil that is neither waterlogged nor completely dried out satisfies both of those conditions. Soil that drains well while still holding some moisture matches the description given for this plant's needs. A well-drained, moist mix works well in garden beds.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist¹

Hardiness and temperature

This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5a through 8b. Those are the zones where this plant is rated to survive winter outdoors. Zone 5a sits at the coldest end of that range, while zone 8b sits at the warmest end, so your local zone tells you how this plant will handle winter where you live.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b¹

Pruning a Feverfew

Deadhead feverfew by removing spent blooms as soon as they fade. Shearing off the old flowers right away also helps control how much it self-seeds. Doing this promptly, rather than waiting, is what the guidance recommends for keeping seeding in check. This is the main pruning task recommended for this plant.

• Pruning: Deadheading¹

How to plant a Feverfew

Feverfew grows well outdoors in USDA zones 5a through 8b. Give each plant about 1 to 2 ft (0.3-0.61 m) of space, since that is the mature spread this plant typically reaches. Plants generally grow 1 to 3 ft (0.3-0.91 m) tall at maturity, so plan your spacing with that height in mind.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b¹

Winter care

Feverfew is rated to survive winter outdoors in USDA zones 5a through 8b. Outside of that zone range, winter conditions fall beyond what this plant is rated to handle. Zone 5a is the coldest zone where it is expected to survive, and zone 8b is the warmest limit listed.

• Hardiness: Zones 5a–8b¹

Common problems

Watch feverfew for spider mites and leafminers, two pests recorded on this plant. Southern blight, tomato spotted wilt virus, and chrysanthemum stunt viroid are diseases recorded for feverfew as well. No other pests or diseases are documented for feverfew beyond this list.

• Common pests: spider mites and leafminers¹
• Common diseases: southern blight, tomato spotted wilt virus and chrysanthemum stunt viroid^1,2,2

Questions and answers

Is feverfew toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, feverfew is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs. No severity rating or specific symptoms are listed beyond that classification for either animal.

How much sun does feverfew need?

Feverfew grows best in full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight a day, but it also tolerates part shade. Full sun is the preferred option between the two.

How cold hardy is feverfew outdoors?

Feverfew is rated hardy in USDA zones 5a through 8b. Zone 5a marks the coldest end of that range, and zone 8b marks the warmest end.