Achillea fill. 'Cloth of Gold'

Overview and Characteristics

Achillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold' is a robust, upright perennial yarrow prized for its large, flat-topped golden-yellow flower heads and finely divided, aromatic grey-green foliage. This cultivar brings a bold splash of colour to mid-to-back borders, wildflower plantings, and drought-tolerant gardens.

Known for its long flowering season, structural presence, and excellent cut and dried flower qualities, 'Cloth of Gold' is a favourite in both traditional and modern designs. It is especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Height: 100–120 cm

• Spread: 45–60 cm

• Flowers: Bright golden-yellow, flat umbels up to 15 cm across

• Foliage: Fern-like, silver-grey, and aromatic

• Flowering period: June to September

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H7, down to -20°C)

• Uses: Borders, prairie gardens, wildlife gardens, cut flower arrangements

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Growing Conditions and Planting

Light

• Requires full sun for best flowering and compact growth

• Will tolerate partial shade, though may flop or flower less profusely

Soil

• Prefers well-drained soil – sandy, loamy, or chalky soils are ideal

• Tolerates poor, dry soils but dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions

• Alkaline to neutral pH preferred, though mildly acidic soils are acceptable

Planting Tips

• Best planted in spring or early autumn

• Space plants 45–60 cm apart to allow good airflow and prevent mildew

• Add grit to planting holes in heavy soils to improve drainage

• Water in thoroughly and mulch lightly with gravel or composted bark

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Care and Maintenance

Achillea 'Cloth of Gold' is a low-maintenance plant once established, thriving on minimal intervention.

Watering

• Water well after planting and during the first growing season

• Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant

• Avoid overwatering or planting in poorly drained sites

Feeding

• Does not require rich feeding

• If desired, feed lightly with a low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring

• Overfeeding can cause floppy, weak growth

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent flower heads regularly to encourage continued blooming

• Leave some blooms to dry naturally for seedheads and winter interest

• In late autumn or early spring, cut back all old stems to just above ground level

Dividing

• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring or autumn to rejuvenate plants and prevent overcrowding

• Dividing also helps maintain vigour and flowering capacity

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Design and Companion Plants

This tall yarrow offers strong vertical structure and rich colour, ideal for combining with both bold and soft planting palettes.

Best Uses

• Mixed borders or cottage gardens

• Mediterranean and gravel gardens

• Wildlife and pollinator gardens

• Cut flower beds – fresh or dried

• Excellent for naturalistic or prairie-style planting

Good Companions

• Pair with Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Perovskia, Stipa tenuissima, Salvia, or Verbena bonariensis

• Contrasts well with blue, purple, and silver foliage plants

• Excellent among ornamental grasses for layered movement and texture

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Wildlife and Seasonal Interest

• Pollinator-friendly: Rich nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

• Seasonal structure: Seed heads can be left through winter for added texture and wildlife shelter

• Cut Flowers: Long-lasting in vases and ideal for drying

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Additional Notes

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May occasionally develop powdery mildew in crowded or humid conditions – ensure good airflow

• Top Tip:

  • For longer flowering, shear back by half in midsummer after first flush, and a second bloom often follows

Standard Delivery per parcel*	€7.95
* parcels up to 30kg or within dimensions volume
* free delivery over €250 on standard items (excludes large/bulky items)
* multiple purchases qualify for combined delivery
For large items please ring us on 069-64084 to discuss delivery.

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.
 

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