Achillea 'Cloth of Gold' Seeds
If you are looking for a plant that captures the very essence of summer sunshine, 'Cloth of Gold' is an absolute must-have for your garden. This magnificent perennial produces enormous, flat-topped flower heads in a brilliant, mustard-yellow that seems to glow even on the hottest days. Standing tall and proud on sturdy stems, these "golden plates" provide a wonderful architectural structure that lasts from early summer right through to the first touches of autumn.
Beyond its striking blooms, 'Cloth of Gold' is adored for its beautiful, fern-like foliage that stays green and fragrant all season long. It is a true "workhorse" of the cottage garden—tough, drought-tolerant, and incredibly easy to grow from seed. Whether you are a beginner looking for reliable results or an experienced gardener wanting to attract more bees and butterflies to your borders, this yarrow is a timeless classic that never fails to impress.
🌿 Understanding the Plant
Achillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold', often called Fern-leaf Yarrow, is a Hardy Perennial. Unlike biennials, this plant establishes a permanent root system and returns with more vigour and beauty every summer.
The "Gold" Standard: While many garden yarrows are short and spreading, 'Cloth of Gold' is an imposing variety that can reach heights of up to 1.5 metres (5 feet). Its stems are remarkably stiff and robust, meaning it rarely needs staking despite its impressive stature.[3, 4]
Aromatic & Resilient: The deeply cut, feathery leaves aren't just pretty—they are also spicy-scented and naturally resistant to deer and rabbits. This makes it a perfect choice for rural gardens where wildlife likes to nibble.
🌱 Growing Guide
Growing Achillea from seed is incredibly rewarding, but there is one golden rule for success: don't bury the seeds!
How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April for the best results. Surface sow the tiny seeds onto moist seed compost and do not cover them—they need light to trigger germination.[6, 4] Keep them warm (18-20°C) and they should sprout in 7-21 days.[2, 4]
Planting Out:
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, move them into individual pots and grow them on. Plant them in their final sunny spot in May or June after the danger of frost has passed, or in September to establish for next year. Space them about 30-45cm apart.[2, 7]
Ongoing Care:
Full Sun: These plants are sun-worshippers! They thrive in well-drained soil and actually prefer "lean" or poor soil over rich compost.
Deadheading: Cut off the faded flower heads to encourage the plant to keep producing new blooms throughout the summer.[2, 5]
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Achillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold' |
| Common Name | Fern-leaf Yarrow |
| Plant Type | Hardy Perennial |
| Hardiness | H7 (Extremely Hardy) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 1.2m - 1.5m (Tall) |
| Spread | 45cm - 60cm |
| Spacing | Plant 30-45cm apart |
| Flowering Period | June to September |
| Perfect For | 🦋 Pollinators 💐 Dried Flowers 🏰 Back of Borders |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 750 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
'Cloth of Gold' is a bold plant that loves to be paired with cool, contrasting colours available in our collection:
🔵 Globe Thistle (Echinops): The Geometry Clash. The perfectly spherical blue balls of Echinops look incredible floating next to the flat golden plates of the Yarrow. Blue and Yellow is the classic, high-impact colour combination.[6, 4]
💜 Salvia 'Violet Queen': The Royal Contrast. The vertical purple spikes of Salvia provide a stunning vertical accent that cuts through the horizontal nature of the Achillea heads.[6, 8]
🌾 Bunny Tails Grass (Lagurus): The Texture Softener. The rigid stems of Yarrow are perfectly balanced by the soft, fuzzy plumes of this ornamental grass, creating a naturalistic, prairie-style feel.[6, 9]
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
UK Perennial Cycle: Sow indoors Spring. Plant out Summer or Autumn. Flowers June to September.
✂️ Drying for Everlastings
'Cloth of Gold' is famous for its dried flowers. To keep the brilliant yellow colour, harvest the stems when the flowers are fully open. Tie them in bundles and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, dark place. They will look beautiful in your home for months!
🐝 A Pollinator Paradise
The wide, flat flower heads act as perfect landing pads for butterflies, hoverflies, and bees. By planting 'Cloth of Gold', you are providing a high-quality source of nectar during the crucial summer months.
🏰 Create a Timeless Border
An essential for any cutting garden or herbaceous border. Browse our full range: Cutting Garden Seeds Collection
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£2.30 - Regular price
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£2.30
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Understanding the Plant
Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
