Achillea kellereri
Achillea kellereri · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant achillea kellereri: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Mature height
- 30 cm
- Flowering
- June to July
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely cut
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Water requirement
- Low
- Hardiness
- Very hardy
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Rockery, slope or very well-drained bed in full sun; keep the soil poor, even gravelly.
The common mistake
Rich soil or regular watering: the plant stretches, becomes soft and flowers sparingly.
The pro's trick
Grow in a shallow pot on gravel/stone: constrains the plant to strict drainage and it flowers twice as much as when free in a damp bed.
Care
Exposure
Kellerer's yarrow appreciates full sun for optimal flowering and good overall performance. It tolerates open, well-ventilated sites without any problem. Place it in a sunny area for at least 6 hours per day to get the best results.
Watering
A very frugal plant, it requires little water once established. Water moderately during the growth period and reduce after establishment. In dry climates, occasional watering is sufficient. Avoid stagnant moisture which could promote rot.
Soil
Kellerer's yarrow thrives in light, well-drained soil that is rather poor. It tolerates stony or chalky soils. Excellent drainage is essential to avoid any waterlogging. Undemanding, it doesn't need rich soil.
Pruning and cleanup
Trim faded flower stems as they appear to extend the flowering period. In late winter, cut back the clump lightly to maintain its compact shape. Generally, cleaning up dead foliage is sufficient without major intervention.
Fertilizer
Kellerer's yarrow doesn't require regular fertilizer. A very light application in spring is enough if the soil is particularly poor. Excessive enrichment could promote vegetation at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Very resistant, it rarely suffers from diseases if drainage is correct. Powdery mildew may appear in overly humid atmospheres; prefer good air circulation. Pests generally ignore it thanks to its natural aromatic properties.
Did you know?
The genus Achillea owes its name to Achilles, the hero of Greek mythology, who would have used these plants to heal the wounds of his warriors during the Trojan War. Kellerer's yarrow, an endemic alpine species from the mountains, has retained this reputation for resilience and robustness, symbolizing strength and healing in today's gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.