Woolly yarrow, also known as Achillea tomentosa, is a delightful perennial plant that can add beauty and charm to any garden or landscape. One of the first things people often wonder about this plant is how tall it can grow. Well, let me tell you, woolly yarrow typically reaches a height of 6-12 inches. However, it’s important to note that this plant has a spreading habit, meaning that it can extend horizontally and cover a wider area. In fact, it can spread to 18 inches wide or even more.
I have had the pleasure of growing woolly yarrow in my own garden, and I must say, its compact size and spreading habit make it a lovely addition to any landscape. The low height of 6-12 inches allows it to create a beautiful ground cover effect, forming a lush carpet of green foliage. Its fern-like leaves are soft and fuzzy, adding a touch of texture to the garden.
As for its flowers, woolly yarrow produces gorgeous yellow blooms that are truly eye-catching. The flowers are arranged in flat-topped clusters, creating a stunning display. Not only do these flowers add a splash of color to the garden, but they also attract butterflies and bees, making it a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of woolly yarrow’s spreading habit. This plant can fill in empty spaces in a garden, creating a dense and full look. Its ability to spread horizontally means that it can cover a larger area and provide excellent ground cover. This can be particularly useful in areas where you want to suppress weed growth or prevent soil erosion.
In terms of maintenance, woolly yarrow is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for dry or xeric gardens. The evergreen foliage adds interest to the garden throughout the year, even during winter when many other plants go dormant.
To summarize, woolly yarrow is a delightful perennial that typically grows to a height of 6-12 inches while spreading to 18 inches wide or more. Its compact size, fern-like foliage, and vibrant yellow flowers make it a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. Its spreading habit allows it to fill in empty spaces, provide ground cover, and suppress weed growth. With its low maintenance requirements and attractive features, woolly yarrow is definitely worth considering for your garden.
