Woolly Yarrow 'Aurea' creates a golden carpet of feathery, aromatic foliage topped with brilliant yellow flower clusters from June through August. This evergreen mat-forming perennial spreads to 18 inches wide while staying just 6-12 inches tall, making it perfect for zones 5-7 where it thrives in poor soils that would challenge other plants. Named for the Greek hero Achilles who used yarrow to heal his soldiers' wounds, this cultivar offers deeper yellow blooms than the species and tolerates drought, deer, and urban conditions with remarkable resilience.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-7
12in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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What sets 'Aurea' apart is its combination of silvery, woolly foliage and exceptionally bright yellow flowers that create stunning contrast in the garden. The twice-pinnately divided leaves release a spicy fragrance when brushed, while the dense flat-topped flower clusters attract butterflies and beneficial pollinators throughout the summer. This low-maintenance perennial excels as ground cover in challenging sites, naturalizing readily while requiring minimal care once established.
Woolly Yarrow 'Aurea' serves multiple roles in the modern landscape as an evergreen ground cover that naturalizes beautifully in rock gardens, slopes, and maritime climates. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in shallow, rocky soils makes it invaluable for challenging urban sites where other plants struggle. The aromatic foliage can be used in herbal preparations, continuing its ancient medicinal tradition, while the long-lasting yellow flowers provide excellent cut flowers for dried arrangements.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds in spring or fall, though 'Aurea' flowers may not come true from seed and division or cuttings are preferred propagation methods.
Harvest flowers when clusters are fully open and at peak color for fresh or dried arrangements. Cut stems in the morning after dew has dried for best longevity, and hang in small bundles in a dry, well-ventilated area for dried flower projects.
Deadhead spent flower clusters back to lateral buds to encourage continued blooming throughout the season. After the main flowering period ends, cut plants back to the basal leaves to tidy the planting and potentially encourage a second flush of fall blooms.
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“The genus Achillea honors Achilles, the legendary Greek hero of the Trojan Wars, who discovered yarrow's medicinal properties and used it to stop bleeding and heal his soldiers' battle wounds. Woolly Yarrow itself hails from the mountains and grasslands of Europe and western Asia, where it evolved its distinctive woolly coating as protection against harsh alpine conditions. The 'Aurea' cultivar was selected for its particularly vibrant yellow flowers, offering gardeners a more golden display than the typical species.”