The gray-leaved yarrow, Achillea argentea, is a pleasing low plant not often seen in gardens.
It is equally valuable for the low border or the rock garden as it does not take up too much space nor spread from root runners.
Achillea Argentea Characteristics
Leaves are feathery and woolly, with a silvery sheen.
The individual stems, thickly clothed with felty leaves, may reach 8” inches in length but lie prostrate on the ground so that the entire plant is not over 6” inches tall.
In most climates, the plant is almost evergreen and somewhat shrubby.
The gray-leaved yarrow, which is collected from Asia Minor and Persia, should not be compared with our native yarrows in performance, the beauty of foliage or flowers.
The blossoms are much larger than commonly found among the yarrows and do not have the rather dirty color of many species.
The petals are large and pure white, surrounding a clean yellow center. They are arranged in dense terminal clusters at the ends of slender stems.
Silvery Yarrow’s Ideal Growing Conditions
Like most silvery or woolly plants, it does not like stagnant water around its feet and should be planted in a sunny place.
It should be given no winter mulch except sand, peat, or stone chips around the crown if desired.
Straw or leaves tend to begin rotting in early spring, and the felty leaves rot with them.
Silvery Yarrow’s Blooming Season
The plant begins to bloom in late May and will continue to send up clusters of flowers until late fall.
It may be purchased from many dealers in rock garden plants and is better transplanted in early spring than at any other time.