Great Design Plant: Partridge Feather
Set your garden aloft with the silvery-white color of partridge feather's foliage even as this evergreen's tough nature keeps you grounded
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.
Distinguishing traits. Finely cut, silvery-white leaves are soft to the touch and evergreen. Button-like yellow flowers attract butterflies.
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).
Combine partridge feather with other evergreens, like juniper, ephedra and artemesia (shown here) for a garden full of winter interest.
Planting notes. Partridge feather must have well-drained soil and will tolerate lean — even sandy — soil. Full sun is preferred.
Common 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