Feverfew: The Companion Plant That Repels Pests And Attracts Butterflies

Feverfew: The Companion Plant That Repels Pests and Attracts Butterflies

Feverfew is a beautiful and versatile herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is also a valuable companion plant in the garden, as it can help to repel pests and attract butterflies.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of feverfew as a companion plant, and provide some tips on how to grow and care for it.

What is Feverfew?

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a member of the daisy family. It is a hardy annual or short-lived perennial that grows to be about 1-2 feet tall. The leaves are fern-like and the flowers are white or yellow daisy-like blooms.

Feverfew is native to Europe and Asia, but it is now grown in many parts of the world. It is a popular herb for medicinal use, and it is also used in some traditional European dishes.

Benefits of Feverfew as a Companion Plant

Feverfew has a number of benefits as a companion plant. It can help to repel pests, attract butterflies, and improve the overall health of your garden.

Pest Repellant

Feverfew has a strong, bitter taste that repels many insects, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. It is a natural way to protect your plants from these pests without using harmful chemicals.

Butterfly Magnet

Feverfew is a favorite food of butterflies. The flowers are a good source of nectar, and the leaves provide a place for butterflies to lay their eggs. If you are looking to attract butterflies to your garden, feverfew is a great option.

Improved Plant Health

Feverfew has been shown to improve the overall health of plants. It can help to increase plant resistance to disease, and it can also help to improve the flavor of fruits and vegetables.

How to Grow and Care for Feverfew

Feverfew is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold winters and hot summers.

Feverfew is not a heavy feeder, so you do not need to fertilize it often. However, it does appreciate a well-drained soil.

Feverfew is a self-seeding plant, so you may find that it comes back year after year. If you do not want it to self-seed, you can deadhead the flowers after they have bloomed.

Harvesting Feverfew

Feverfew leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. The leaves are most potent when they are young and fresh.

To harvest feverfew leaves, simply snip them off the plant with a pair of scissors. You can then dry the leaves for later use, or you can use them fresh in salads or other dishes.

Conclusion

Feverfew is a beautiful and versatile herb that has many benefits for the garden. It is a natural way to repel pests, attract butterflies, and improve the overall health of your plants. If you are looking for a new companion plant to add to your garden, feverfew is a great option.

Feverfew is a beautiful and versatile herb that can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is also a great companion plant, meaning that it can help to deter pests and diseases from other plants in your garden.

If you are interested in learning more about feverfew companion planting, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information on the topic, including a list of specific plants that pair well with feverfew.

In addition to providing information on companion planting, Gardenia Inspiration also offers tips on how to grow and care for feverfew. They also have a section on the medicinal properties of feverfew, which is a great resource if you are interested in using this herb for its health benefits.

I hope this information is helpful! If you have any other questions about feverfew companion planting, please feel free to leave a comment below.

FAQ of feverfew companion planting

Q: What are some good companion plants for feverfew?

A: Feverfew is a relatively easy-to-grow herb that can be paired with a variety of other plants. Some good companion plants for feverfew include:

• Mint: Mint is a natural insect repellent, so it can help to deter pests from attacking your feverfew plants.
• Thyme: Thyme is another herb that deters insects, and it can also help to improve the flavor of your feverfew flowers.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can help to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
• Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums are related to feverfew, and they can help to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
• Onions: Onions have strong sulfur compounds that can help to repel nematodes, which are harmful pests that can attack the roots of feverfew plants.

Q: What are some plants that should not be planted near feverfew?

A: There are a few plants that should not be planted near feverfew, as they can compete for nutrients or water, or they can even be harmful to the feverfew plants. These plants include:

• Basil: Basil can stunt the growth of feverfew plants.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes can attract pests that can also attack feverfew plants.
• Peas: Peas can compete for nutrients with feverfew plants.
• Potatoes: Potatoes can harbor a fungus that can be harmful to feverfew plants.

Q: How far apart should feverfew plants be planted?

A: Feverfew plants should be planted about 12 to 18 inches apart. This will give them enough space to grow and spread without competing with each other for nutrients or water.

Q: When should I plant feverfew?

A: Feverfew can be planted in the spring or fall. If you are planting in the spring, wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are planting in the fall, plant before the first frost.

Q: How do I care for feverfew plants?

Feverfew plants are relatively easy to care for. They need full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize them once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Image of feverfew companion planting

5 different images of "feverfew companion planting" from Pinterest:

• Image 1: Feverfew and roses. Feverfew is a good companion plant for roses, as it helps to deter pests such as aphids and spider mites.
• Image 2: Feverfew and lavender. Lavender is another good companion plant for feverfew, as it helps to repel mosquitoes.
• Image 3: Feverfew and chamomile. Chamomile is a calming herb that can help to boost the immune system. It is a good companion plant for feverfew, as it helps to attract beneficial insects.
• Image 4: Feverfew and mint. Mint is a deer-resistant herb that can help to deter pests. It is a good companion plant for feverfew, as it helps to improve the flavor of the feverfew flowers.
• Image 5: Feverfew and tomatoes. Tomatoes are a good companion plant for feverfew, as they help to repel whiteflies.