Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina 'Gold Coin Dwarf')

Overview

Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’, commonly known as Fern-leaf yarrow, provides reliable, bright yellow color throughout early summer in a compact habit. This desirable cultivar offers the classic texture of yarrow foliage but in a smaller package, making it ideal for edging borders where more vigorous varieties might overwhelm neighboring plants. Its ability to handle heat and drought makes Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ a truly hardworking perennial for sunny, well-drained locations.

The striking, dense flower clusters attractively contrast with the deeply-dissected, aromatic, fern-like green leaves. Unlike taller yarrows, this dwarf selection stays tidy, resisting the tendency to flop even during humid summer weather. Gardeners value Fern-leaf yarrow for its low maintenance requirements and its enduring performance throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ in the spring or fall once danger of hard frost has passed, ensuring placement in full sun. These plants perform best when grown in lean, dry to medium, well-drained sandy loams. While they tolerate average garden soils, avoid heavy clay soils or locales that retain excessive moisture, as these conditions can lead to stem rot.

Maintenance for Fern-leaf yarrow is remarkably low once established. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings; they tolerate drought well. Fertilizing is usually unnecessary; rich soils often result in weaker stems. To encourage repeat blooming, deadhead spent yellow flower heads back to lateral buds promptly after the first flush.

For tidy winter appearance and to promote possible additional fall blooms, cut the stems back close to the basal leaves in late summer or early fall. Clumps should be divided every few years if they become overcrowded, which can be done using division, cuttings, or seed. Siting your Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ in a location protected from strong winds is also recommended.

Landscape Uses

The compact nature of Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ makes it exceptionally versatile in landscape design. Use this bright yellow perennial as a sturdy edging plant along pathways or the front of perennial borders where its size will provide structure without blocking views. They are excellent additions to cottage gardens, mingling beautifully with silvery foliage or soft lavender spikes.

Because of their tolerance for dry conditions, these yarrows are perfect for xeriscaping or rock gardens. They also perform well in containers, though ensure the potting mix offers fast drainage. When planted in groups or mass plantings, the consistent gold color of the Fern-leaf yarrow creates a bold textural sweep under the full sun.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Achillea filipendulina, commonly known as fern-leaf yarrow, features deeply-dissected, hairy, fern-like, aromatic green leaves forming an attractive basal clump. The tiny, bright golden flowers cluster in dense, flattened compound corymbs that bloom throughout summer on stiff stems. The ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ cultivar is specifically prized for maintaining a dwarf stature, typically reaching only 15 inches tall, making it a robust and less prone-to-flop option compared to its taller relatives.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Stem rot is an occasional concern, particularly if soil drainage is poor or excess moisture is present. Powdery mildew and rust can also appear, often favoring humid conditions or stressed plants. To mitigate disease risks, ensure excellent air circulation by appropriately spacing plants and avoiding overhead irrigation late in the day. Strong summer winds and high rain events present a structural challenge, as even dwarf varieties can sometimes be flattened; staking is rarely required for Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ but can be a preventative measure in highly exposed spots or overly fertile sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Fern-leaf yarrow suitable for?

This adaptable herbaceous perennial is hardy across USDA Zones 3 to 8.

How large does Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ grow?

This dwarf cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall with a spread of 0.5 to 1 foot wide.

What sun exposure does Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ need?

For the best flowering and healthiest growth, this Fern-leaf yarrow requires full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ bloom?

It produces its showy yellow flower heads consistently from June into July.

Conclusion

The Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ offers superb textural contrast and vibrant, long-lasting yellow color while demanding very little in return. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance make this Fern-leaf yarrow an essential building block for sunny, dry perennial gardens. Before planting, always confirm your local USDA hardiness zone matches zones 3-8 suitability.

Companion Planting

When planning your garden layout around Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’, focus on plants that share similar full sun and dry soil preferences. Contrast the fine texture of the ferny foliage with broader leaves, such as those found on Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or various Sedums. Pairing chartreuse or silver foliage, like that found on Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina), enhances the bright gold hue of the yarrow blooms effectively during summer.

Propagation Tips

Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Coin Dwarf’ can be successfully propagated through division, cuttings, or seed. The easiest method for maintaining the exact cultivar characteristics is division, which is best done in the spring or fall after flowering once the clumps become overcrowded (about every 3-4 years). For stem cuttings, take softwood cuttings in the early summer and root them in a moist, well-drained medium under partial shade; this allows you to quickly establish new, identical dwarf plants.