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© Felix Riegel, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Achillea ageratifolia
Greek Yarrow
Greece and the southern Balkans (Albania, North Macedonia)
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height4-8 inches (10-20 cm)
Width10-14 inches (25-35 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Achillea ageratifolia is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae), growing 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) wide. The species is native to the rocky mountains of Greece and the Balkans. Leaves are 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, narrowly oblong, entire to slightly toothed (NOT deeply dissected like common yarrow A. millefolium), densely covered in silvery-white woolly hairs that give the entire plant a silver appearance. The non-dissected, silver, woolly leaves separate this species from all other commonly grown Achillea. Flower heads are white, daisy-like, 0.5-0.75 inch (12-18 mm) across with 5-8 ray florets, produced singly on short stems 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) above the foliage mat in May-June. Bloom period is shorter (3-4 weeks) than A. millefolium (8-12 weeks). The silver foliage mat persists as a semi-evergreen groundcover through winter in mild climates. Sharp drainage is required — crown rot occurs in wet winter soil. The species is native to limestone screes and rocky slopes, tolerating pH 7.0-8.5. Clay, organic-rich, or consistently moist soil are not tolerated.
Native Range
Achillea ageratifolia is native to Greece and the southern Balkans (Albania, North Macedonia), occurring on rocky limestone slopes, screes, and cliff ledges from 3,000-7,000 feet (900-2,100 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in alpine gardens, rock gardens, troughs, and gravel gardens, spaced 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart. The silver foliage mat gives year-round groundcover in well-drained sites. Suits retaining wall crevices and gravel path edges. In the Pacific Northwest, the species needs the driest, most mineral site in the garden.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread10" - 1'2"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
White daisy-like flower heads 0.5-0.75 inch (12-18 mm) across, produced singly on stems 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) above the foliage mat. Bloom period is May through June, lasting 3-4 weeks. Deadheading does not extend bloom.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Silvery-white woollyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in sharply drained, lean, alkaline soil with a pH of 7.0-8.5. Spacing is 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart. The species tolerates drought, heat, poor soil, and gravel. Soil amendment with organic matter is avoided — rich soil promotes weak, floppy growth and crown rot. Established plants are not irrigated in summer. In the Pacific Northwest, the species requires a raised alpine bed or rock garden trough with gritty, mineral soil and sharp drainage. Wet winter soil kills the crown.Pruning
Spent flower stems are sheared after bloom. No other pruning. The silver foliage mat is self-maintaining.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons