Tanacetum parthenium

Tanacetum parthenium Aureum

Often called feverfew, this is an old-fashioned plant that was used for medicinal purposes in days gone by. It has ferny, very aromatic leaves, and in spring and summer, it has dense sprays of single or double flowers like tiny white daisies, with a yellow centre. If the flowers are cut back once they finish, another flush of bloom may appear. It grows best in a sunny, well-drained position. The plant is a short-lived, woody-based perennial growing to about 60 cm tall; however, it usually self-seeds and there will always be a plant or two around once it has been introduced to a garden. There is a lovely golden form, known as 'Aureum'. I often grow this cultivar in part-shade, where it takes on a pretty limey hue. Even if it doesn't flower, it is an effective foliage plant and a good contrast to plants with bolder leaves. This plant will grow in both frosty and frost-free areas, and can tolerate dryness. The flowers last well in a vase.