Shrub
Fernbush
Chamaebatiaria millefolium
Fragrant, ferny, and bee-covered in July. Semi-evergreen structure for the dry garden.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Fragrant
- Deer-resistant
- Evergreen
- Plant Select®
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–8
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 5–6 ft tall × 5–6 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- White flower spikes in mid to late summer over aromatic, fern-like leaves
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Native range
- Native to the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau (UT, NV, AZ, ID, OR, CA)
- Plant Select
- Plant Select® recommended plant
Why we recommend it
Lush fern-textured foliage and showy white midsummer flower spikes need no supplemental water once established, making it a Denver Water and Plant Select (2006) favorite.
Best regions: Front RangeHigh DesertGreat Basin
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water every 1–2 weeks through the first summer, then stop.
Pruning
Clip off spent flower spikes in fall or early spring if you like a tidy look; otherwise little pruning.
Soil
Lean, well-drained soil. Overwatering or poor drainage is the main cause of failure.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Fernbush from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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