Silver Lace

Tanacetum ptarmiciflorum

Features

  • Dryable
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Medium producer

Description

This exciting discovery has a fitting name. Its pungent, glaucous foliage is so delicate and airy, with the growth habit and color of dusty miller but a much lacier appearance. Each plant produces 15 to 20 slender, upright, stiff-branched stems unmatched for wedding work.

Details

Plant type: tender perennial
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 105 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 10 to 12 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are slow to start; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge. Seedlings do not look silver when they are very young but color up as they mature.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when stems are mature and firm. Foliage is especially wilt prone, so be sure to harvest during the coolest part of the day. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. Foliage can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Details

Description

This exciting discovery has a fitting name. Its pungent, glaucous foliage is so delicate and airy, with the growth habit and color of dusty miller but a much lacier appearance. Each plant produces 15 to 20 slender, upright, stiff-branched stems unmatched for wedding work.

Details

Plant type: tender perennial
Height: 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 105 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 10 to 12 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds are slow to start; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge. Seedlings do not look silver when they are very young but color up as they mature.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when stems are mature and firm. Foliage is especially wilt prone, so be sure to harvest during the coolest part of the day. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. Foliage can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Sources

How to Grow

Summer Mini Course

Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers

In our three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.