Achillea filipendulina (fern-leaf yarrow) — perennial

Overview

Achillea filipendulina is a perennial in the genus Achillea, part of the Asteraceae family. Achillea filipendulina grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers, rock gardens and wildflower gardens. It is native to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Nakhichevan, Transcaucasus and Iran.

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

In the garden

A perennial from central and south-western Asia, Achillea filipendulina (fern-leaf yarrow) is native to regions including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Nakhichevan, the Transcaucasus and Iran. The species sits in the Asteraceae and is commonly grown for its long summer display of yellow flower-heads and its herb-scented foliage. Plant where it receives full sun on a south-facing, open aspect and in soil that is well drained — loamy or sandy mixes suit it best. It tolerates dry to medium soil moisture and prefers neutral to alkaline pH. The hardiness rating H5 indicates it is hardy in most UK gardens and will survive typical winter conditions for hardy perennials. Use fern-leaf yarrow in mixed borders, rock gardens, wildflower areas or for cutting; stems make effective summer blooms. For best vase results, cut stems when the flower-heads are fully open during the June–September flowering season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Achillea

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, loamy, sandy
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: open
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Achillea filipendulina size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cut flowers, rock gardens, wildflower gardens
Native to: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Nakhichevan, Transcaucasus, Iran
Fragrance: mild, herbal

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Achillea filipendulina

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: By seed, division in spring or autumn

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Achillea filipendulina?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Where is the best place to plant Achillea filipendulina?

Achillea filipendulina prefers full sun. It suits open positions.

What soil does Achillea filipendulina need?

Achillea filipendulina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, loamy and sandy. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Achillea filipendulina?

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Is Achillea filipendulina hardy in the UK?

Achillea filipendulina has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.