Does feverfew need deadheading to keep blooming?

Yes, removing spent flower heads encourages the plant to put energy into producing new buds throughout the summer.

Can I grow feverfew in full shade?

No, feverfew requires bright light to bloom well. It will likely become leggy and fail to flower in deep shade.

Why is my feverfew not flowering? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the amount of daily sunlight reaching the plant.
Check the foliage for signs of excessive, soft green growth.
Assess if the plant is mature enough to bloom.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks tall and stretched out with few buds. It is likely sitting in a spot that is too shady.
What to do: Move your feverfew to a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. If you are growing it indoors, place it directly in a south facing window.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The foliage is lush and dark green but there are no flowers. Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Switch to a balanced bloom booster fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content once every 4 weeks during the growing season.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your feverfew

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Feverfew is a perennial that typically blooms in its first or second year. If it is mid summer and you see no buds, it is time to adjust the light conditions.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your plant receives consistent full sun and avoid over fertilizing with nitrogen rich products.

Feverfew: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your feverfew and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does feverfew need deadheading to keep blooming?: Yes, removing spent flower heads encourages the plant to put energy into producing new buds throughout the summer.
Can I grow feverfew in full shade?: No, feverfew requires bright light to bloom well. It will likely become leggy and fail to flower in deep shade.

Why is my feverfew not flowering?