Partridge Feather
Tanacetum densum 'Partridge Feather'
Eva on how Partridge Feather's grey foliage adds contrast to your garden.
Water needs
Very low once established
Hardiness
Zone 4 – 9
Bloom
Late Spring / Early summer · small button-shaped yellow flowers
Firewise
Yes — low fuel volume and also deer resistant!
This month we're shining a spotlight on Partridge Feather — a low-growing ground cover that spreads steadily to fill gaps without becoming invasive. What makes it truly special is its soft, silvery-grey foliage, which acts as a natural foil to the greens that dominate most planting plans, lending the garden a sense of brightness and calm.
It pairs particularly well with bolder statements like Orange Rocket Barberry, where its cool silver tones create a striking contrast against the barberry's rich, fiery foliage. In a thoughtfully layered planting, Partridge Feather plays a vital supporting role — its feathery, finely divided texture contrasting beautifully against bold-leafed neighbors, its low form providing a visual anchor beneath taller plants, and its silver tones weaving together a palette of varied colors, textures, and heights into a cohesive composition.
Best of all, it's remarkably undemanding — low maintenance, waterwise, firewise, and deer resistant, it asks very little of the gardener and keeps on giving.
A close up of the beautiful and delicate foliage of Partridge Feather.
One tip worth keeping in mind
Don't hesitate to trim it's size back now and then if it gets bigger than you want it.
Coming next month
Each month we pick one plant that earns its place in a southwest Colorado and Rocky Mountain landscape — for its resilience, its beauty, or both. Subscribe to the newsletter to get the next pick delivered directly.
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