perennial

Balkan Yarrow

The Story

Plant Bio

Achillea clypeolata, the Balkan yarrow, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial that produces a neat, compact mound of finely divided, silvery-gray foliage. Bright golden-yellow flowers emerge in dense, flat-topped terminal clusters on upright stems rising above the aromatic, woolly leaves.

This species is distinguished by its exceptionally intense silver-white leaf coloration and its superior tolerance to dry, lean soils compared to common garden yarrows. The deeply lobed, tomentose foliage retains its color best in full sun and low-humidity environments.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, year-round visual contrast with its finely textured, silver-gray foliage and bright golden-yellow summer blooms.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and naturally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and beneficial predatory insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeast Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets

Bloom period

Summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend heavy soil with coarse sand or gravel to ensure rapid drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water thoroughly after planting, then withhold water until the top few inches of soil dry out completely.

Pro Tip

Plant in poor, sharply drained soil; rich loam or excessive fertilizer causes the stems to flop and the silver foliage to turn green and rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back spent flower stalks to the basal foliage mat in late summer to encourage a tidy habit.
Divide established clumps every three to four years in early spring to maintain plant vigor.
Provide excellent air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or wet, poorly drained soils where roots will rot.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause weak, floppy growth and diminish foliage color.
Do not prune into old, leafless woody stems during winter cleanup.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardensDry BordersGravel GardensMass PlantingsCut Flower Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Lavandula angustifolia Festuca glauca Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Balkan Yarrow questions

What zones can Balkan Yarrow grow in?

Balkan Yarrow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Balkan Yarrow deer resistant?

Yes — Balkan Yarrow is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Balkan Yarrow bloom?

Balkan Yarrow typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Balkan Yarrow need full sun?

Balkan Yarrow does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Balkan Yarrow drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Balkan Yarrow handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.