How big does Fernleaf yarrow grow?

About 1.2 m × 75 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–1.5 m × 60–90 cm.

What soil does Fernleaf yarrow grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Fernleaf yarrow hardy?

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

When does Fernleaf yarrow flower?

Flowering: June–September, yellow.

How much water does Fernleaf yarrow need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Fernleaf yarrow

Achillea filipendulina

Fernleaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) is a perennial that reaches 1.2 m × 75 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €5.

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

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

A tall, stiff-stemmed perennial whose flat, golden yellow flower plates last all summer and keep well cut or dried, while its spicy-scented, ferny foliage looks good even before flowering. Plant it in full sun and lean, free-draining soil; it handles drought well and hardly needs watering. In rich, moist ground it grows lanky and flops, and it will not stand waterlogging.

Watch out for

In heavy, wet soil the crown and roots rot, especially in winter. In overly rich, irrigated beds the stems stretch and flop without support, and summer storms can flatten exposed clumps. Powdery mildew, rust and aphids turn up now and then. It is worth dividing every three to four years as the clumps become congested.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 75 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 75 cm
Ultimate size	0.9–1.5 m × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5

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
10-15 cm	approx. €5

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

Looks good next to it

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Carpet cotoneaster

Cotoneaster procumbens

Bearskin fescue

Festuca gautieri