Partridge feather has a unique and lovely appearance that's best enjoyed where it can be seen easily and often: near walkways, decks and patios. An evergreen subshrub with a woody base, partridge feather is the perfect accent plant for the water-wise garden. Its soft texture belies its tough character; partridge feather will be happiest in the hottest and sunniest spot you can provide.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Botanical name: Tanacetum densum sp
amaniCommon name: Partridge feather
Origin: Southeastern Turkey
USDA zones: 4 to 9 (find your zone)
Elevation range: To 8,900 feet
Water requirement: Moderate to very low; does not tolerate high humidity
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 6 to 8 inches tall and 1 foot to 2 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Thrives in sunny, hot locations on little water
When to plant: Spring through fall
Seasonal interest: Evergreen foliage; flowers in early summer
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Distinguishing traits. Finely cut, silvery-white leaves are soft to the touch and evergreen. Button-like yellow flowers attract butterflies.
High Country Gardens
How to use it. Partridge feather makes an excellent accent plant in rock gardens, where it appreciates the good drainage. In the water-wise garden, it’s compatible with ornamental grasses and colorful perennials, like
purple poppy mallow (
Callirhoe involucrata,
zones 4 to 9), Russian sage (
Perovskia atriplicifolia, zones 5 to 9),
hyssop (
Agastache spp, zones 5 to 10) and
hummingbird flower (
Zauschneria spp, zones 5 to 9).
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Combine partridge feather with other evergreens, like
juniper,
ephedra and
artemesia (shown here) for a garden full of winter interest.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Planting notes. Partridge feather must have well-drained soil and will tolerate lean — even sandy — soil. Full sun is preferred.