Fernbush
Fernbush is a very drought tolerant shrub native to the western United States. It is grown for its drought tolerance, round shape, and beautiful white showy flowers.
Fernbush flowers in midsummer, when it develops panicles of showy white flowers, often visited by native bees. Even though it is a native shrub, it grows in a tidy, round shape.
When brushed against, the foliage releases a pleasant aroma. It gets its name from the attractive finely dissected, grey-green, ferny leaves.
Fernbush
Fernbush is a very drought tolerant shrub native to the western United States. It is grown for its drought tolerance, round shape, and beautiful white showy flowers.
Fernbush flowers in midsummer, when it develops panicles of showy white flowers, often visited by native bees. Even though it is a native shrub, it grows in a tidy, round shape.
When brushed against, the foliage releases a pleasant aroma. It gets its name from the attractive finely dissected, grey-green, ferny leaves.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Chamaebatiaria millefolium
Pronunciation
kam-ay-bay-tee-AY-ree-uh mill-ee-FOH-lee-um
Mature Height
4 to 6 ft.
Mature Spread
4 to 6 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
late July through mid-August
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
western United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 7,500 ft.
Performance
Fernbush has been an excellent shrub at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden. It has a beautiful shape. The flowers are a welcome sight in mid-summer and are an important food source for native bees. Highly recommended.
Maintenance
Cut off the spent flower stalks in late winter.