Woolly yarrow (Achillea tomentosa 'Aurea')

Overview

Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’, widely known as Woolly yarrow, is a highly valuable selection prized for its dense, mat-forming habit and attractive, fern-like foliage. This evergreen perennial provides excellent texture contrast in the garden, accented by masses of bright, rich yellow flowers that appear reliably throughout the summer months. It is an exceptionally tough plant, thriving in conditions where many others struggle due to dryness or poor soil fertility.

The appeal of Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ extends beyond its minimal care needs; its low profile makes it an excellent choice for softening hardscape edges or stabilizing slopes. Gardeners appreciate the fine texture of its woolly, gray-green leaves, especially before and after the bloom period. This variety offers deep yellow flowers, distinguishing it slightly from the base species.

As a drought-tolerant selection, Woolly yarrow requires minimal supplemental watering once established, fitting perfectly into xeriscaping or rock garden designs. Its robust nature and ability to handle lean soils make incorporating Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ a practical solution for low-maintenance, sunny garden areas.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ in full sun, ensuring the location receives high light intensity for the best flowering and foliage color. This plant thrives best when grown in lean, dry to medium soils that offer excellent drainage, such as sandy loams. It tolerates average garden soils but must avoid heavy clays and overly moist or rich sites, which can lead to stem rot.

Water sparingly once plants are established; they prefer dry conditions and can handle significant drought periods. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as rich feeding often promotes floppier growth rather than tight, robust clumps suitable for ground cover use. Protect established plantings from very strong winds if possible, as the flower stems can sometimes flatten under heavy rain or gusts.

For continued performance, deadhead spent flower heads down to the first lateral buds to encourage repeat blooming. After the main flush, cut the foliage back close to the basal leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and potentially spur a final bloom wave in the fall. Divide clumps of Woolly yarrow every three to four years when they become overcrowded to maintain vigor.

Landscape Uses

Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ excels in applications where tight ground coverage and excellent drainage are required. Its spreading, mat-forming habit makes it an ideal choice for general ground cover or for naturalizing in sunny borders. It performs wonderfully as an edging plant along pathways or driveways, softening hard lines without sprawling excessively.

This durable perennial is perfectly suited for rock gardens and planting pockets within retaining walls, showcasing its tolerance for shallow or rocky soil conditions. Furthermore, Woolly yarrow provides excellent texture when planted between walking stones, functioning as a tough, low-growing filler. It integrates well with other drought-tolerant companions like sedums or creeping thyme in mixed container plantings.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Achillea tomentosa, commonly known as woolly yarrow, is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial that typically grows to 6-12” tall spreading to 18” wide or more. It is best known for its yellow flowers, fern-like foliage, fragrance and horizontally-spreading habit. Numerous small, deeply-dissected, ferny, gray-green leaves are woolly on both sides, providing year-round interest. The cultivar ‘Aurea’ specifically offers notably deeper yellow flowers than the standard species.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

Occasional disease issues for this yarrow include stem rot if drainage is insufficient, as well as powdery mildew or rust in humid conditions. To mitigate risk, ensure proper air circulation by spacing plants adequately; avoid overhead watering, especially late in the day. Exposed plantings of Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ can sometimes be flattened or damaged by strong summer rain storms accompanied by high winds, necessitating thoughtful placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Woolly yarrow suitable for?

Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 7.

How large does Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ grow?

Expect this perennial to reach a height between 0.5 and 1 foot, spreading horizontally between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.

When does Woolly yarrow bloom?

This variety flowers throughout the summer, typically starting in June and continuing into August, displaying bright yellow blooms.

What sun exposure does Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ need?

This plant absolutely requires full sun exposure to perform optimally in the garden.

Conclusion

The combination of drought tolerance, low maintenance needs, and bright yellow summer color makes Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ an essential component for sunny, dry garden spaces. Ensure your planting site provides excellent drainage to keep your Woolly yarrow thriving year after year. Check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility before planning your spring installation.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate neighbors is key to maximizing the aesthetic appeal and health of Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’. Because this plant prefers lean, dry soils, pair it with other Mediterranean or rock garden favorites that share similar cultural needs. Excellent companions include various Sedum species, which offer contrasting textures and bloom times, as well as creeping Thymes or Santolina. Avoid planting near moisture-loving perennials, as excess water will compromise the vigor of your Woolly yarrow.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ can be achieved through division, stem cuttings, or seed, though care must be taken if using seed. Division is the most reliable method for maintaining the exact characteristics of the cultivar; divide overgrown clumps every three to four years in early spring or fall. While cuttings can root successfully, be aware that flowers grown from seed may not reliably come true to the parent ‘Aurea’ characteristics.