Feverwort

Getting to Know Feverwort: Feverwort, or Triosteum perfoliatum, is a unique and hardy perennial that's great for beginners. It’s often found in wildflower gardens or naturalized areas because it doesn’t need much fuss. The plant has beautiful green leaves that grow in pairs, almost like they’re hugging the stem (hence its nickname "perfoliate"), and it produces small, tubular flowers that can range from yellowish-green to reddish-brown.

What You'll Need:

Feverwort seeds or young plants (you can find these at native plant nurseries or online)

A patch of soil in your garden or a large pot (at least 12 inches deep)

Regular garden soil—feverwort isn’t too picky about soil type but prefers well-draining soil

Watering can or hose

Mulch (optional, to help retain moisture)

When to Plant: Feverwort loves cooler weather, so aim to plant it in early spring or fall. If you're starting with seeds, you can sow them directly into the ground in the fall to mimic natural germination cycles. If you get a young plant, you can transplant it anytime during the growing season as long as you avoid extreme heat or frost.

Choosing a Spot: Feverwort does best in partial shade to full sun. It's pretty adaptable, but if you live in a hotter climate, a spot with some afternoon shade will keep it happy. Make sure the area has good drainage to prevent root rot.

If Starting with Seeds:

1. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil in your chosen spot by digging it up a bit. Remove any big rocks or clumps.
2. Sow the Seeds: Scatter the seeds on top of the soil, then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost. Don’t bury them too deep—just about ¼ inch is enough.
3. Water Gently: Use a watering can to moisten the soil without washing the seeds away. Keep the soil consistently damp until you see little sprouts appear, which could take a few weeks to months.
4. Be Patient: Feverwort seeds can be slow to germinate, especially if you’re planting them in the spring. Don’t worry if nothing happens right away!

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a Hole: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your feverwort plant.
2. Plant It: Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole back in with soil and gently press down to remove air pockets.
3. Water Well: Give it a good drink of water right after planting to help it settle in.

Spacing Tip: If you’re planting multiple feverworts, space them about 18-24 inches apart. This gives them room to spread out as they grow.

Watering: Feverwort is pretty drought-tolerant once it’s established, but while it’s still young, make sure to water it regularly—about once a week should do the trick unless you’ve had lots of rain. In hot, dry spells, check the soil; if the top inch feels dry, give it a drink.

Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help keep the soil moist and cool, especially during the warmer months. Just don’t pile it up against the stem, as this might cause rot.

Weeding: Keep an eye out for weeds, especially when your feverwort is still small. Weeds can steal nutrients and water from your plant. Pull them gently by hand or use a small hoe to clear the area around your feverwort.

Pruning: You won’t need to prune feverwort much—it’s a low-maintenance plant. But if you notice any dead or yellowing leaves, feel free to snip them off with scissors or pruning shears to keep the plant looking tidy.

Pests and Problems: Good news—feverwort doesn’t have many pest problems! It’s pretty resistant to bugs and diseases. However, if you notice any unusual spots on the leaves or signs of pests, spray the plant with a mix of water and mild dish soap to deter them.

When to Harvest: Feverwort blooms from late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, tubular flowers. After flowering, it develops berries that start out green and turn red as they ripen. These berries are an important food source for birds, so if you want to enjoy the wildlife show, leave them on the plant.

How to Harvest: If you'd like to collect the seeds for future planting, wait until the berries are fully ripe (bright red). Then:

1. Pick the berries and gently mash them to extract the seeds.
2. Rinse the seeds to remove pulp, then let them dry on a paper towel for a day or two.
3. Store the dried seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them again.

Note: While feverwort has historical medicinal uses, it’s not commonly used today, so it’s best to admire its beauty rather than consume it unless you’re working with a professional herbalist.

Q: Can I grow feverwort in a pot?A: Yes, you can! Just make sure the pot is large enough (at least 12 inches deep) and has good drainage. Feverwort can handle container life, but you’ll need to water it more frequently since pots dry out faster than garden soil.

Q: Does feverwort attract wildlife?A: Absolutely! The bright red berries are a favorite snack for birds, and the flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. If you’re looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden, feverwort is a great addition.

Q: My feverwort looks leggy—what should I do?A: Leggy growth can happen if the plant isn’t getting enough light. Try moving it to a sunnier location or trimming back any overhanging branches that might be shading it. Prune back any overly long stems to encourage bushier growth.

Q: Is feverwort invasive?A: No, feverwort is not considered invasive. It spreads slowly via rhizomes (underground stems), so it won’t take over your garden. However, if you don’t want it spreading at all, you can plant it in a contained area or pot.

Q: How long does feverwort live?A: Feverwort is a perennial, meaning it will come back year after year. Once established, it can live for several years with minimal care, especially if it’s planted in a spot it likes.