Achillea ptarmica

RHS Plant Profile
sneezewort

Other common names

ball of snow, bastard pellitory, European pellitory, fair maids of France, goosetongue, seven years' love, sneeze yarrow, sneezeweed, white tansy, wild pellitory, ystreqllys

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

An erect perennial to 60cm tall with narrowly lance-shaped, finely-toothed, dark green leaves to 6cm long. Loose clusters of white flowerheads are borne in summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Achillea can be mat-forming or upright perennials, mostly herbaceous, with sometimes aromatic, pinnately divided or simple and toothed leaves and flattened clusters of small, daisy-like flower-heads
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, N of Mediterranean

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in semi-shade in a moist soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

No pruning required, but deadheading will prolong the flowering season

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews