Origin of Chrysanthemum parthenium
Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Benth., commonly known as feverfew, featherfew or wild chamomile, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula, but has naturalized in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia.
Common Names of Chrysanthemum parthenium
In addition to feverfew, this plant is also known by a variety of other names including bachelor's buttons, featherfew, midsummer daisy, wild chamomile, and Santa Maria.
Uses of Chrysanthemum parthenium
Feverfew has been used for various medicinal purposes for centuries. Traditionally, it was used to treat fevers, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomachaches and toothaches, and was also used to regulate menstrual cycles. Today, it is often used as a natural remedy for headaches and migraines. It can also be used to reduce fever and inflammation. In addition to its medicinal uses, feverfew is also used as a decorative plant in gardens and borders.
Appearance of Chrysanthemum parthenium
Chrysanthemum parthenium is a bushy perennial herb that grows up to 70 cm tall. Its leaves are pinnate and feathery with a slightly sickly, bitter smell. The plant has small, daisy-like flowers that are yellow with white petals and grow in clusters. The flowers bloom from May to October.
Light Requirements
Chrysanthemum parthenium can grow in both full sun and partial shade. However, it grows best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If grown in shade, it may produce fewer flowers and become leggy due to stretching for adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers cool temperatures, ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with nighttime temperatures around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate frost and mild freezing temperatures but will not survive in extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Chrysanthemum parthenium is well-draining, moist, and fertile. It should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. This plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it does not thrive in heavy, poorly drained soils or soil with a high salt content.
Cultivation methods
Chrysanthemum parthenium, also known as feverfew, can be grown outdoors or indoors, depending on your preference. If planting outdoors, select a site with well-draining soil and full sunlight exposure. In areas with scorching summers, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. If growing indoors, use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix.
Sow the seeds in early spring once the last frost has passed. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Be patient as feverfew can take up to three weeks to germinate. Thin the seedlings so that they are about six inches apart once they reach two inches in height.
Watering needs
Feverfew prefers moist soil but can withstand a drought. Water the plant consistently, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid getting the leaves wet as they can develop fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Feverfew does not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid overfertilization as this can lead to weak growth.
Pruning
Prune feverfew to promote bushy growth and to keep the plant from becoming too leggy. After the first frost, cut back the plant to about two inches above the soil line. New growth will appear in the spring.
Propagation Methods of Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Benth.
Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Benth., commonly known as feverfew, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is typically propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of feverfew through seeds is relatively easy to accomplish. The best time to sow the seeds is in early spring or autumn. The seeds should be sown on a moist, well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and bright location. The seeds will take two to three weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
The propagation of feverfew through cuttings is a more reliable method than through seeds as it avoids any genetic variation. Softwood cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be around 3-4 inches in length and planted in a pot with a well-draining soil mix. The pot should be placed in a warm and bright location, and the cuttings should be kept moist. After two to three weeks, the cuttings will have rooted and can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation through Division
The propagation of feverfew through division is the easiest method and can be done during spring or autumn. The plant should be lifted gently from the garden and divided into several clumps using a sharp, sterile knife. Each clump should contain roots and several shoots. The clumps can then be replanted into individual pots or directly into the garden with well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management for Chrysanthemum parthenium
Chrysanthemum parthenium is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth, productivity, and overall health. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and flowers of Chrysanthemum parthenium. The infected plant parts develop brown spots that eventually coalesce and turn into a greyish mold. To manage Botrytis blight, you should:
- Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage promotes fungal growth
- Remove infected plant parts and dispose of them away from the garden
- Apply fungicides as directed
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by various soil-borne fungi and affects the roots of Chrysanthemum parthenium. The infected roots become mushy, discolored, and show poor growth. To manage root rot, you should:
- Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture in the soil promotes fungal growth
- Plant Chrysanthemum parthenium in well-draining soil
- Avoid planting in areas where the disease has occurred previously
- Apply fungicides as directed
Pythium Root Rot
Pythium root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Chrysanthemum parthenium. The infected roots become discolored, soft, and eventually decay. To manage Pythium root rot, you should:
- Avoid overwatering and poorly-draining soils
- Plant Chrysanthemum parthenium in well-draining soil
- Apply fungicides as directed
Pest Management for Chrysanthemum parthenium
Chrysanthemum parthenium is also susceptible to several pests that can damage its foliage, reduce its productivity, and affect its overall appearance. The following are some common pests that might affect Chrysanthemum parthenium and ways to manage them:
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of Chrysanthemum parthenium. This causes the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage whiteflies, you should:
- Remove infected plant parts and dispose of them away from the garden
- Use sticky traps, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil as directed
Spider Mites
Spider mites are also tiny insects that feed on the sap of Chrysanthemum parthenium. These pests often leave small webs on the leaves and cause them to become yellow and dry. To manage spider mites, you should:
- Use insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or neem oil as directed
- Prune infected plant parts and dispose of them away from the garden
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of Chrysanthemum parthenium. They cause the leaves to become streaky, and the flowers to become distorted. To manage thrips, you should:
- Prune infected plant parts and dispose of them away from the garden
- Use sticky traps, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil as directed
