Overview
Achillea atrata is a clump forming, matforming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Achillea, part of the Asteraceae family, with green, grey, silver foliage. Achillea atrata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildlife gardens and low maintenance.
About
Achillea atrata, commonly called black yarrow or dark stemmed sneezewort, is a European species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant native to the Alpine regions of Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.
About the genus
Achillea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The plants typically have frilly leaves and are known colloquially as yarrows, although this common name usually refers to A. millefolium.
Wikipedia contributors, "Achillea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Achillea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Achillea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Achillea atrata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Matforming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Green, Grey, Silver
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Achillea atrata
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Achillea atrata?
Achillea atrata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Achillea atrata need?
Achillea atrata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Achillea atrata hardy in the UK?
Achillea atrata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Achillea atrata?
Division in spring.
More in the Achillea genus
- Achillea 'Pomegranate'
- Achillea 'Terracotta'Yarrow
- Achillea fil. 'Gold Plate'
- Achillea vermicularis
- Achillea 'Apricot Delight'
- Achillea 'Fleur van Zonneveld'
- Achillea 'Inca Gold'Yarrow
- Achillea Filipendulina ex Kyrgyzstan