Achillea tomentosa
This low species forms a tight, woolly mat of gray‑green foliage. Short stems carry flat heads of bright yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. It performs best in sunny, dry sites with sharp drainage and lean soil. Plants are useful as a small‑scale ground cover or edging in rock and gravel gardens. Growth is slow to moderate and foliage texture is a key feature. It dislikes hot, humid summers and poorly drained soils.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species; herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) × 12 to 18 in (30 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: May to June
- Color & flower form: Bright yellow, small flat heads
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 3 to 7
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, unknown, southwestern Europe to central Italy
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- Much lower and mat‑forming compared with typical border yarrows
- Excellent drought tolerance when established
- Prefers very well‑drained soil and hates humidity
- Silvery, woolly leaves add texture year‑round in mild climates
Strengths
- Reliable ground cover in dry, sunny sites
- Deer resistant
- Good heat and drought tolerance where humidity is low
- Low maintenance with occasional division
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun with excellent drainage.
- Soil: sandy or gravelly and lean; neutral to alkaline.
- Water: light; avoid frequent irrigation once established.
- Feeding: none to very light.
- Grooming: shear lightly after bloom to keep dense; divide if mats thin in the center.
- Winter: fully hardy in listed zones; keep crowns dry.
Watch‑outs
- Declines in hot, humid summers south of cooler regions
- Root or crown rot in poorly drained soil
- Can spread into adjacent gravel or cracks
Best uses (tags)
rock‑gardens; edging; groundcover; drought‑tolerant; pollinators
Provenance note
Native to southwestern Europe into central Italy; widely grown in rock garden culture.
References
- RHS – Achillea tomentosa profile
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox – Achillea tomentosa
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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