Egyptian Yarrow is a clump-forming perennial that brings a distinctly Mediterranean character to gardens with its fern-like, gray-green foliage and bright yellow flowers that fade to primrose as they age. Hardy from zones 3 to 8, this botanical variety grows 12 to 24 inches tall and wide, blooming prolifically from June through September in dense, flat-topped flower clusters. It thrives on neglect, tolerating drought, poor soils, and urban conditions while asking only for full sun and well-drained soil. Butterflies find it irresistible, and the flowers dry beautifully for arrangements, making it equally at home in cutting gardens or naturalized meadows.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-8
24in H x 24in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The fern-like foliage alone justifies growing this plant; its finely dissected, gray-green leaves stay handsome long before the first flowers arrive. Once blooming begins in early summer, dense clusters of tiny golden flowers unfold atop sturdy stems, gradually softening to pale primrose yellow as weeks pass. What truly sets it apart is its architectural quality: unlike softer herbaceous perennials, Egyptian Yarrow maintains clean lines and composure even in hot, humid summers, shrugging off summer storms and drought with equal grace.
Egyptian Yarrow is grown primarily for cutting and drying. The dense flower clusters and long stems make it excellent for fresh arrangements, while the flowers dry particularly well for dried bouquets and long-term floral displays. Its naturalization capacity means it also serves as an ornamental focal point in perennial borders and meadow gardens, where its tall stems and flowers can emerge among other plantings to create layered visual interest.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Maintain soil temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for consistent germination. Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when they have developed true leaves.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden after the last frost date in spring. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart to account for their mature width. Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil. Plant at the same depth they were growing in containers.
Direct sow seed in spring after the last frost date in full sun, well-drained soil. Sprinkle seeds on the soil surface and press gently to ensure good contact; do not cover, as seeds need light to germinate. Water gently and keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
For fresh cutting, harvest flower clusters when they are fully open and at their brightest yellow color, ideally in the morning after dew has dried. For drying, cut clusters when flowers are fully developed but still vibrant in color, before they fade significantly to primrose. Strip lower leaves from stems and hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight until completely dry, typically 2 to 3 weeks.
Cut back plant stems to lateral flower buds after the initial flowering period to tidy the planting and encourage a second flush of blooms through late summer and fall. If stems flop or become matted after heavy rain or wind, cut them back to promote upright growth and lateral branching. Remove any dead or damaged stems in early spring as new growth emerges.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.