For a plant that is almost extinct in its natural habitat, Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum has a lot to offer the gardener. It offers contrast in foliage colour and is very easy care.
If you’re looking for an easy-care plant with outstanding silver foliage, Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum is well worth considering. Commonly known as Bishop’s Lace or Silver Lace Bush, this attractive evergreen subshrub is grown as much for its finely divided silvery-grey foliage as for its masses of white daisy-like flowers.
Although it is now considered rare in its natural habitat, it has proved to be an excellent garden plant, bringing year-round colour and foliage contrast to a wide range of landscape styles.
Why Grow Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum?
Among silver foliage plants, this is one that should not be overlooked. The finely divided, soft silver-grey foliage provides year-round interest and creates a striking contrast against green-leaved shrubs and flowering perennials.
It is drought tolerant once established, responds well to pruning and is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance foliage plant that also produces attractive white flowers during spring and summer.
Growing Conditions
Plant Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum is a well drained soil and in a sunny position. Once established, it requires little care however will respond well to pruning which will help maintain a bushy habit.
It prefers well-drained soil and performs best where the roots are not subjected to prolonged winter wet.
Apply a light mulch to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture, taking care not to allow mulch to sit against the stems. A slow-release organic fertiliser applied in spring will encourage healthy growth, although heavy feeding is rarely necessary.
Once established, watering is only required during extended dry periods.
Care and Pruning
This is a very easy-care plant. Light pruning throughout the growing season will help maintain a compact, bushy shape, while a harder prune of up to half its height after flowering encourages fresh new growth and prevents plants from becoming woody.
Remove any dead or damaged stems as required and avoid overwatering, particularly during cooler months.
Propagation
Propagation is usually from seed, although established plants may also be available through specialist nurseries.
Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum vs Tanacetum densum ssp. amani
Although both species are prized for their beautiful silver foliage, they serve different purposes in the garden. Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum grows as a compact upright shrub to around 1 metre high, making it ideal for borders, mixed plantings and containers. In contrast, Tanacetum densum ssp. amani is a much lower-growing plant, reaching only around 15cm high while spreading to form an excellent drought-tolerant ground cover.
If you need a silver foliage feature plant, T. ptarmiciflorum is the better choice. For covering sunny banks, rockeries or difficult dry areas, T. densum ssp. amani is hard to beat.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Bishops Lace and Silver Lace Bush
- Botanical Name – Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum
- Soil – Dry to moist soil, well drained.
- Position – Part shade, or afternoon shade.
- Foliage – Silvery Grey.
- Flowers – White daisy like
- Flowering time – Spring to summer
- Growth Rate – Medium to fast.
- Height – To 1 metre.
- Spread – To 1 metre.
- Root system – Non invasive.
- Frost tolerant – Yes – moderate frosts.
- Drought tolerant – Medium
- Pruning – Prune back by 50% after flowering