Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum 'Silver Feather'

Perennial of the Asteraceae family, often grown as an annual or biennial in cold climates, the type species is native to the Canary Islands, where it grows on rocky slopes and well-exposed volcanic soils. 'Silver Feather' is a horticultural selection primarily valuing the plant's exceptional foliage.

It forms a broad and upright bush, reaching 60 to 90 cm in height under favorable conditions. The leaves, finely cut into narrow, feathery segments, are covered with a dense tomentum of very pure silvery white, giving them a remarkable brightness, even outside of any flowering. It is one of the finest and airiest silver foliages available in cultivation.

The flowers are small white daisies with a yellow center, gathered in loose and generous corymbs that crown the stems and extend the white effect of the whole. In its natural habitat, the species blooms in summer. In cultivation under our latitudes, it generally extends from July to September.

It requires full sun and impeccable drainage. Sensitive to excess winter moisture, it is treated as an annual in regions with cold and wet winters, but can be perennialized in mild and dry climates. It naturally imposes itself in compositions with a dominant white and silver theme, in association with dark foliage or bright flowers.