How big does Sneezewort grow?

About 70 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 45–90 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Sneezewort grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Sneezewort flower?

Flowering: June–September, white.

How much water does Sneezewort need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Sneezewort cost?

It sells for roughly €4.10 to €8.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Sneezewort

Achillea ptarmica

Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) is a perennial that reaches 70 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.10.

Illustration of Sneezewort — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Unlike other yarrows it has narrow, undivided dark green leaves, and it carries small white flowers all summer; gardens grow the double forms with button-like flowers, which also last well cut and dried. It looks best in sun or part shade in moist soil that is never waterlogged, where its rhizomes slowly build a colony. The loose stems flop easily, so plant it closely or give it support, and divide it every two or three years to keep it in bounds and vigorous.

Watch out for

It spreads by rhizomes and in moist, good soil grows into its neighbours, while the centre of the clump thins out with time, so lift and divide it every two or three years. The tall stems fall apart after rain and wind, which makes the plant look untidy and weedy. It dies out in heavy, poorly drained soil that stays wet in winter, which is also where stem rot appears. Powdery mildew, rust and aphids can occur, and in the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it soon looks worn without watering.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 70 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	70 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	45–90 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.10

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.10 – €8.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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