If you’re looking for a tough, drought-tolerant ground cover with outstanding foliage, Tanacetum densum ssp. amani is well worth considering. This low-growing evergreen perennial thrives in hot, dry conditions and forms a dense mat of soft, silvery-grey foliage that provides year-round interest.
Although it produces attractive yellow button-like flowers in summer, it is the beautifully textured foliage that makes this plant such a valuable addition to the garden.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Tanacetum densum ssp. amani
- Common Names: Partridge Feather Plant, Tansy
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial ground cover
- Height: Around 15cm
- Spread: 60–90cm
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Very well-drained sandy or gravelly soil
- Flowers: Small yellow button flowers
- Flowering: Summer
- Water Needs: Very low once established
- Best Uses: Ground cover, rockeries, gravel gardens, borders and retaining walls
Why Grow Tanacetum densum ssp. amani?
This is an excellent plant for those difficult sunny positions where many other ground covers struggle. It copes well with heat, dry conditions and poor soils while remaining attractive throughout the year.
Its finely divided silver-grey foliage creates a striking contrast with green-leaved shrubs and flowering perennials, making it equally at home in modern landscapes, Mediterranean-style gardens and waterwise plantings.
Growing Conditions
This is a very easy-care plant provided it is given the conditions it prefers. Plant it in full sun in very well-drained soil and avoid sites that remain damp, particularly during winter.
The woolly foliage should not sit on wet soil, so it is best planted in raised beds, rock gardens or mulched with gravel or decorative pebbles to improve drainage and keep the foliage clean.
Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser after planting. Once established, watering is only needed during prolonged hot, dry weather, and a deep soak is better than frequent light watering.
Landscaping Uses
With its naturally spreading habit, Tanacetum densum ssp. amani makes an excellent evergreen ground cover for dry areas of the garden. Use it to soften the edges of paths, spill over retaining walls, fill gaps in rockeries or carpet sunny slopes where its silver foliage provides year-round colour.
It combines beautifully with other drought-tolerant plants such as Lavender, Santolina, Artemisia and Stachys, creating attractive foliage contrasts in low-maintenance gardens.
Care and Maintenance
Very little maintenance is required once the plant is established. It rarely needs fertilising, provided the soil is reasonably healthy, and excessive feeding can encourage soft growth.
Remove spent flowers after flowering and lightly trim the foliage with hedge shears if needed to maintain a neat, compact appearance. Heavy pruning is rarely necessary.
Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Tanacetum densum ssp. amani
- Common Names: Partridge Feather Plant, Tansy
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
- Height: Around 15cm
- Spread: 60–90cm
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Very well-drained soil
- Foliage: Soft silver-grey, finely divided foliage
- Flowers: Small yellow button flowers
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Water Requirements: Low once established
- Maintenance: Very low