Overview
Achillea cretica is a clump forming, matforming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Achillea, part of the Asteraceae family, with green, grey, silver foliage. Achillea cretica 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 cretica is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Achillea genus, known for its mat-forming or upright clump-forming habit. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained fertile soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, and is hardy to UK zone H7. It features green, grey, or silver foliage and produces flattened clusters of small, daisy-like flowers during spring and summer. Suitable for cottage, informal, gravel, and wildlife gardens, it prefers south, west, or east-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions.
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 cretica 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 cretica
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Achillea cretica?
Achillea cretica prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Achillea cretica need?
Achillea cretica 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 cretica hardy in the UK?
Achillea cretica 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 cretica?
Division in spring.
More in the Achillea genus
- Achillea 'Pomegranate'
- Achillea 'Terracotta'Yarrow
- Achillea atrata
- Achillea fil. 'Gold Plate'
- Achillea millefoliumcommon yarrow
- Achillea millefolium 'Angie' (Song Siren Series)
- Achillea millefolium 'Circus'yarrow 'Circus'
- Achillea millefolium 'Crazy Little Thing'