Partridge feather have a special and lovely look that’s best enjoyed where it can be seen easily and often: near walkways, decks and patios. An evergreen subshrub having a woody base, partridge feather is the perfect accent plant for the water-wise backyard. Its soft texture belies its difficult character; partridge feather will probably be happiest in the hottest and sunniest spot you’ll be able to provide.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Botanical name: Tanacetum densum sp amani
Common title: Partridge feather
Origin: Southeastern Turkey
USDA zones: 4 to 9 (find your zone)
Elevation range: To 8,900 ft
Water necessity: moderate to low; does not withstand high humidity
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature dimension: 6 to 8 inches tall and 1 foot to 2 feet broad
Advantages and tolerances: Thrives in sunny, hot locations on little water
When to plant: Spring through autumn
Seasonal interest: Evergreen foliage; flowers in early summer
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Distinguishing attributes. Finely cut, silvery-white leaves are soft to the touch and evergreen. Yellow flowers attract butterflies.
High Country Gardens
The best way to utilize it. Partridge feather makes a superb accent plant in rock gardens, where it enjoys the good drainage. In the water-wise backyard, it’s compatible with ornamental grasses and colorful perennials, such as 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
Blend partridge feather along with different evergreens, such as juniper, ephedra and artemesia (shown here) for a backyard filled with winter interest.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Planting notes. Partridge feather should have well-drained dirt and will withstand lean — even sandy — dirt. Full sun is preferred.