perennial

Alps Yarrow

The Story

Plant Bio

Achillea distans, commonly known as Alps yarrow, is a stoloniferous herbaceous perennial native to the subalpine and montane meadows of central and southeastern Europe. It forms upright, clump-shaped mounds of finely textured, hairy, grey-green foliage that spreads via above-ground stolons and rhizomes.

This species is distinguished by its deeply pinnatifid leaves with a winged, toothed rachis and flat-topped terminal flower clusters reaching up to four inches across. The inflorescences feature five white, pink, or red ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets from spring through summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, flat-topped flower clusters in shades of white, pink, or red above finely textured, fern-like foliage.

Provides excellent, long-lasting cut flowers and tolerates poor, dry soils once established.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and beneficial predatory insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Low to Medium

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets and livestock; can cause contact dermatitis

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy loam or well-draining mineral soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly at planting to settle the soil, then restrict irrigation to periods of prolonged dry weather once established.
Space multiple plants 18 to 36 inches apart to allow for lateral spread via stolons.

Pro Tip

Avoid supplemental fertilization and heavy clay soils; excess nutrients and poor drainage cause the stems to stretch, flop over, and succumb to stem rot. Sharp mineral drainage is essential to keep the clump compact and prevent winter crown rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent flower heads regularly to encourage a longer blooming period.
Cut the plant back to the basal rosette after flowering to stimulate fresh foliage growth.
Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in early spring.

Don't

Do not apply heavy fertilizers, which cause weak, floppy stems.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not use overhead watering systems that keep the foliage wet and invite powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensRock GardensMeadow PlantingsCut Flower BordersErosion Control

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Echinacea purpurea Festuca glauca Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Alps Yarrow questions

What zones can Alps Yarrow grow in?

Alps 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 Alps Yarrow deer resistant?

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

When does Alps Yarrow bloom?

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

Does Alps Yarrow need full sun?

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

Is Alps Yarrow drought tolerant?

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