early spring 2006: It didn’t fair too well end of last summer. it was swarmed by bugs once, the majority of the plant turned dark ugly brown... if it happens again this year i will remember to take a picture. I truly hope it grows back... this is the plant i painted a tribute to in my self portrait.
Gog:Chysanthemum Partenium
http://www.botany.com/chrysanthemum.html
C. Parthenium flore pleno (Feverfew - can grow in sun or shade - tons of small, double, white flowers and has a scent somewhat resembling Chamomile) and its variety aureum (Golden Feather - is dwarf with yellow leaves)
DESCRIPTION: These hardy plants are natives of China, Japan, northern Africa, and southern Europe. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae. Their flowers come in every color except blue. Their blooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Some are spherical in shape and have incurved petals at the center. Some have tubular-shaped petals of unequal length with little hooks at the end. Spoon Chrysanthemums have rather flat petals that are spoon-shaped at the end. Anemone Chrysanthemums have fairly flat, thin petals with shorter tubular petals in the center. Chrysanthemum carinatums are striking annuals with their beautiful yellow, purple and red rings. They originate in Morocco and grow 2-3 feet in height. C. maximum (Shasta Daisy) is a perennial found wild in Spain and Portugal. They form tufts of foliage close to the ground and in the summer, bear large, white flowers on 2- to 3-foot stems. Large plants of this variety tend to become straggly, so it is smart to lift the clumps every year or two and separate them. This assures finer blooms and more manageable plants. Only the young outer pieces should be chosen for replanting. C. rubellum is a herbaceous perennial that bears clusters of pale rose-pink flowers on 3-foot stems. C. cinerariaefolium’s inflorescences are of considerable importance in the manufacture of Pyrethrum insecticides. C. balsamita (Costmary, Alecost, Bible-leaf, Sweet Mary, or Mint Geranium) is a sprawling, hardy perennial that reaches 3 feet in height when in bloom. The yellow flowers are rather sparse and the leaves are elongated, oval and toothed. They are leathery when dried and can be used as bookmarks. Fresh young Costmary leaves can be used in salads and to add a balsam flavor to beer, soups, and bread. Other Chrysanthemums will be listed below in the varieties section.
Description
Various forms of feverfew grow to heights of between 9 inches and 2 feet. The deeply cut leaves are brightly colored and have a sharp, unpleasantly bitter taste. The flowers, which are produced from summer until mid-fall, are thick and daisy like with yellow centers.
Cultivation
Feverfew will thrive in the poorest soils. They can even make find a home in pavement cracks and and walls. Full sun is a must, as the plant is susceptible to mildew in the shade. It can be grown from seed or by root division. Cuttings can be rooted in early summer.
Harvesting
Cut leaves and flowers as required. The flowers may be dried face down on a flat surface and used in potpourri.
Medicinal Uses
Tablets and tinctures are the safest form of this herb when used medicinally. It is used for the relief of migraine, to help prevent blood clots, as an anti-inflammatory for relief of arthritis, to relieve some types of menstrual problems, and as a digestive aid.
Do not take this herb during pregnancy. Controlled doses of this herb are safest. Consult an herbalist if you are not sure about the dose.
Other Uses
Grow feverfew in the rose garden to attract aphids away from the rose bushes. Leaves and flowers act as a good moth deterrent. It also makes a nice cut flower.