Achillea maritima

RHS Plant Profile
cottonweed

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Other common names

sea cottonweed, sea cudweed

Synonyms

Filago maritima
Diotis candidissima
Otanthus maritimus

Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen, silvery, woolly perennial subshrub to around 10–50cm tall, with small, oblong leaves and aromatic yellow flower heads 8–10 mm wide, blooming from June to September. The plant emits a strong, herbal scent, particularly from its foliage, which intensifies when crushed

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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. Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and is well-suited to exposed coastal positions, tolerating salt spray and wind

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free