Achillea fill. 'Cloth of Gold'

Description and Characteristics

Achillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold' is a classic herbaceous perennial renowned for its tall stature, long-lasting golden-yellow flower heads, and finely divided, aromatic foliage. Often referred to as Fernleaf Yarrow, this cultivar is a reliable garden performer with a bold, upright habit and exceptional resilience to drought and heat.

Growing up to 120–150 cm in height and spreading around 45–60 cm, it produces dense, flat-topped flower clusters (corymbs) made up of tiny, golden-yellow flowers that bloom from early to late summer. The foliage is feathery, grey-green, and forms a basal mound that remains attractive throughout the growing season.

Highly valued in pollinator gardens, cottage borders, and cut flower beds, ‘Cloth of Gold’ is not only beautiful but also low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant.

• Tall, upright stems with flat golden-yellow flower clusters

• Height: 120–150 cm; Spread: 45–60 cm

• Blooming period: June to August (sometimes into September)

• Finely divided, fern-like grey-green foliage

• Excellent for cutting gardens, prairie borders, and drought-tolerant landscapes

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Achillea ‘Cloth of Gold’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and performs best in relatively lean conditions. It is perfect for low-water, low-maintenance gardens, and rewards with a strong floral display when properly sited.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun (6+ hours of direct light daily)

  • Will tolerate light shade but may become leggy and flower less profusely

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

  • Thrives in average to poor soils; avoid rich, overly fertile ground

  • Tolerates dry, rocky, or even gravelly conditions

• Watering Needs:

  • Water during dry spells in the first growing season

  • Once established, highly drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overwatering or soggy soils, which can lead to root rot

• Feeding:

  • Typically does not require fertiliser

  • Too much nitrogen will result in lush foliage and fewer flowers

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead regularly to encourage continued blooming and prevent self-seeding

  • Cut stems down to the base in late autumn or early spring

  • Can be sheared lightly after the first flush of flowers to encourage reblooming

• Division:

  • Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate clumps

  • Helps prevent overcrowding and decline in flowering

• Winter Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in Zones 3–9 (RHS H7)

  • No special winter protection required

Garden Design, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

‘Cloth of Gold’ is a bold, long-flowering perennial ideal for a wide range of garden styles. Its colour, form, and resilience make it a go-to plant for dry gardens, large borders, and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.

• Design Uses:

  • Perfect for sunny mixed borders, prairie-style plantings, and pollinator gardens

  • Adds vertical texture and strong colour contrast in repetition planting

  • Suitable for mass plantings, naturalised drifts, and xeriscaping

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with echinacea, rudbeckia, perovskia, nepeta, salvias, and ornamental grasses

  • Blends beautifully with lavender, gaura, sedum, and blue eryngium

  • Complements hot-coloured schemes and adds contrast to cooler palettes

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Excellent source of nectar and pollen

  • Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

  • Beneficial in organic and ecological gardening

• Cut Flower and Dried Use:

  • Excellent cut flower with long vase life

  • Can be dried for floral arrangements or crafts

  • Harvest when fully open for best colour and durability

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Deer- and rabbit-resistant

  • Rarely affected by pests; occasional powdery mildew in overly damp conditions

  • Good air circulation prevents disease

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.