Common yarrow and Lesser calamint are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, pollinator friendly, ground cover). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Achillea millefolium 80 cm × 80 cm after 10 years
A tough native perennial with finely cut, aromatic foliage and flat flower heads that bees and butterflies visit all summer; garden cultivars also…
Calamintha nepeta 45 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
A low, bushy perennial that wraps itself in a cloud of tiny white or pale lilac flowers from midsummer until frost and is then one of the busiest…
Common yarrow grows faster than Lesser calamint.
Common yarrow is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Lesser calamint.
|
Feature
|
Common yarrow
|
Lesser calamint
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 80 cm × 80 cm | 45 cm × 50 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.5–1 m × 60–90 cm | 30–50 cm × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | June–September, white, pink, red, yellow | June–October, white, purple, pink |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 40 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | no data |
| For cats | Toxic | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €4 | approx. €3.90 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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