Overview
Achillea 'Terracotta' is a spreading branched perennial in the genus Achillea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Achillea 'Terracotta' 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, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Middle Europe, Subarctic America, Western Canada, Southeastern Europe, China, Liechtenstein, Northern Ireland and Romania.
About
Achillea 'Terracotta' is a named cultivar in the Achillea genus (family Asteraceae) that bears the genus's frilly, often hairy and aromatic leaves and carries flat-topped clusters of small flowers. Its flowering season runs from June to September. The flower heads are typical of Achillea, formed at the ends of stems and attractive to a range of insects. The plant shows the general characteristics associated with yarrows.
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
Achillea 'Terracotta' is a cultivar of Achillea in the family Asteraceae. Members of the genus are native primarily to Eurasia and North America and characteristically have frilly, hairy, aromatic foliage and stems topped by broad, flat clusters of small flowers. The genus produces blooms in a range of colours and is frequently visited by many insect species, a trait that carries through to this cultivar. Flowering takes place from June to September, when the flat-topped inflorescences appear at the stem tips and provide accessible nectar and pollen. While flower colour varies across the genus, the form and structure of the bloom heads remain consistent and are useful for attracting pollinators during summer months. In a UK garden setting, use Achillea 'Terracotta' where summer-long, easily accessed nectar sources are wanted and where the flat clusters of flowers can be seen and reached by insects. The arrangement of flowers at stem tips makes the cultivar a practical choice for summer pollinator support and for adding a steady architectural layer of flower heads through the June to September period.
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 'Terracotta' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Middle Europe, Subarctic America, Western Canada, Southeastern Europe, China, Liechtenstein, Northern Ireland, Romania
- Fragrance
- Mild, aromatic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Achillea 'Terracotta'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Achillea 'Terracotta'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Achillea 'Terracotta'?
Achillea 'Terracotta' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Achillea 'Terracotta' need?
Achillea 'Terracotta' 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.
How do I prune Achillea 'Terracotta'?
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Achillea 'Terracotta' hardy in the UK?
Achillea 'Terracotta' 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 'Terracotta'?
Seed, Division in spring.
More in the Achillea genus
- Achillea 'Pomegranate'
- Achillea fil. 'Gold Plate'
- Achillea vermicularis
- Achillea 'Apricot Delight'
- Achillea 'Fleur van Zonneveld'
- Achillea 'Inca Gold'Yarrow
- Achillea Filipendulina ex Kyrgyzstan