Achillea Cloth of Gold

Golden Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) is a hardy, herbaceous perennial known for its tall stems and flat-topped clusters of bright yellow flowers. Native to the Caucasus, it has become a popular garden choice due to its striking appearance, drought tolerance and adaptability.

As a cut flower, Golden Yarrow is valued for its long-lasting blooms and strong stems, which hold up well in fresh and dried floral arrangements. The vivid yellow colour adds brightness to bouquets and contrasts beautifully with cooler hues. When dried, the flower heads retain their colour and structure, making them ideal for preserved arrangements and crafts.

In the garden, Achillea filipendulina is widely used as a border plant, adding height and texture to perennial beds. Its fern-like, silvery-green foliage forms a neat clump, while the tall flower stalks provide vertical interest and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

For home gardeners growing from seed, patience and care are essential. Seeds should be sown indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, as they need light to germinate—press them lightly into moist soil without covering. Once seedlings are established and hardened off, they can be transplanted to a sunny, well-drained site. Golden Yarrow requires little maintenance: water sparingly, avoid rich soil (which reduces flowering), and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued blooming. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour. 

Surface Sow: Requires light to germinate. Sow seed on the surface. Press seed down into the soil. Keep moist.