1 named cultivar

‘King Edward’King Edward Yarrow

perennialN. America Native

Woolly Yarrow

Achillea tomentosa

Same species

1 named cultivar

‘King Edward’King Edward Yarrow

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Prefers dry to moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested; can cause skin irritation.

The Story

Plant Bio

Achillea tomentosa, commonly known as Woolly Yarrow, is a low-growing perennial with dense, silvery, woolly foliage and clusters of bright yellow, flat-topped flowers that bloom in summer. Its hardy nature makes it suitable for borders and rock gardens. Distinguished by its mat-forming, woolly, fern-like, silvery-gray foliage which is aromatic when bruised. It is extremely drought tolerant and excellent for groundcover in dry, sunny locations.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides silvery foliage and cheerful yellow flowers, ideal for borders and rock gardens.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, reduces water use.

Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring.
Water regularly until established, about 2 weeks.
Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Deadhead spent flowers for continuous bloom.
Divide every 3 years in early spring or fall.
Apply a light mulch to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Divide in early spring or fall

Don't

Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
Use heavy, wet soil
Neglect deadheading

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged borderDry rock garden accentAromatic herb patch

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Sedum Echinacea Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Yarrow questions

What zones can Woolly Yarrow grow in?

Woolly 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 Woolly Yarrow deer resistant?

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

When does Woolly Yarrow bloom?

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

Does Woolly Yarrow need full sun?

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

Is Woolly Yarrow drought tolerant?

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