Species

Achillea filipendulinaFern-leaf Yarrow

1 other cultivar

‘Gold Plate’Gold Plate Yarrow

perennial

Fern-leaf Yarrow

Achillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Achillea filipendulina is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to central and southwestern Asia, characterized by deeply dissected, aromatic, fern-like green foliage. In summer, the sturdy, unbranched stems bear dense, flattened, plate-like compound corymbs of long-lasting flowers.

'Cloth of Gold' is distinguished by its bright golden-yellow flower heads that hold their color intensity without fading. This cultivar reaches a mature height of three to four feet, establishing a stiffly erect, architectural presence in the garden.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces flat, golden-yellow flower plates that retain their color well and dry beautifully for indoor arrangements.

Offers high resistance to deer and rabbit browsing while thriving in lean, dry soils where other perennials struggle.

Provides a stable landing platform for beneficial insects, hoverflies, and native bees seeking pollen and nectar.

SpeciesAchillea filipendulinaFern-leaf Yarrow

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central and southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets; skin irritant

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with lean, well-draining sandy or average loam soil.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
Water moderately during the first growing season to establish the root system, then reduce watering to rely on natural rainfall.
Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in early spring to maintain plant vigor and prevent center die-out.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in rich, highly fertile soils or applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, which cause rapid, weak stem growth that collapses under the weight of the summer blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in lean, sharply drained soils to prevent root rot.
Deadhead spent flower heads down to lateral buds to encourage a secondary flush of blooms.
Cut the entire plant back to the basal rosette after the main flowering season to tidy the clump.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients cause weak, floppy stems that require staking.
Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soils that retain moisture during winter.
Do not handle the foliage without gloves if you have sensitive skin, as the leaves can cause contact dermatitis.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Gravel gardensCottage gardensCut flower bedsDrought-tolerant bordersMass plantings

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Echinacea purpurea Nepeta faassenii Eryngium planum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fern-leaf Yarrow questions

What zones can Fern-leaf Yarrow grow in?

Fern-leaf Yarrow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fern-leaf Yarrow deer resistant?

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

When does Fern-leaf Yarrow bloom?

Fern-leaf Yarrow typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fern-leaf Yarrow need full sun?

Fern-leaf Yarrow does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Fern-leaf Yarrow drought tolerant?

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