in cooler climates. Slug and snail
damage is often a problem.
Well-draining soil is critical. Benefits
from a winter mulch in northern areas.
Can be slow to establish. Spring
division every 4–5 years.
related plantS Acanthus spinosus
‘Spinossisimus’ is a much spinier form
that isn’t fun to prune or weed around.
Achillea ‘Coronation
Gold’‘Coronation Gold’ yarrow
compoSitae
Mustard-yellow flower heads;
fernlike, scented gray-green foliage
2–3 ft. (1 ft.) high; 3 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms June–August
Zones 3–8
pruning Deadhead to lateral buds,
then after lateral buds finish blooming,
cut stems down to basal foliage. Young
plants usually repeat bloom for a long
period with deadheading. Older
clumps may not produce many lateral
flowering stems; if this is the case,
plants should be pruned down to basal
foliage, skipping deadheading.
Sporadic flowering may be produced
from the basal foliage in some cases.
Flowers are smaller in the second
bloom phase. Yarrows bloom longer
where summers are cool, only about
half as long in hot regions. If foliage is
infected with rust or other foliar
diseases, deadleaf or prune off affected
parts. Leave basal foliage over the
winter as it holds up better than that
on most forms. Cut out dead foliage in
the spring if needed.
other maintenance
Well-draining soil is the main element
for survival. Usually trouble free if
given full sun and well-draining soil;
will tolerate dry soil. Normally does
not need staking unless grown in
excessively rich soil or too much shade.
Divides easily in the spring or autumn,
every 4–5 years. Relatively
low-maintenance plant. One of the
best yarrows for hot and humid
conditions.
related plantS Achillea filipendu-
lina, fern-leaf yarrow, is one of the
parents of Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’
(the other is A. clypeolata). It usually
requires staking unless given full sun
and dry soil. Achillea filipendulina
‘Altgold’, 3-ft.-tall free standing, is a
reblooming cultivar with deadheading.