Achillea Peter Cottontail - Yarrow

Achillea 'Peter Cottontail' brings a fresh, ethereal presence to the perennial garden with its cloud-like display of ivory-white blooms. Unlike traditional flat-topped yarrows, this distinctive cultivar of Achillea ptarmica features rounded, button-like flowers that float gracefully above low mounds of fine-textured green foliage, creating an appearance reminiscent of Baby's Breath but with far greater garden resilience.

This long-blooming perennial produces its charming ½-inch white flowers continuously from early summer through fall, offering months of soft texture and luminous color. The singular, well-spaced flower clusters create an airy, whimsical effect that adds both structure and delicacy to garden compositions. The dark green, lance-shaped foliage forms neat, compact mounds that remain attractive throughout the growing season.

Garden Performance

'Peter Cottontail' excels in tough garden conditions where many perennials struggle. Highly drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts to average or lean soils with good drainage. This hardy selection (USDA Zones 3-8) tolerates temperatures down to -20°F, making it reliable across a wide geographic range.

Despite its namesake, this yarrow is notably deer and rabbit resistant, along with being tolerant of poor, dry soils. The fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly plantings.

Size & Habit

Mature plants reach 18-24 inches tall with a spread of 28-30 inches, forming tidy, mounding clumps that integrate beautifully into mixed borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and naturalistic designs. The compact habit requires no staking and maintains good form throughout the season.

Versatile Uses

• Cut Flowers: Excellent fresh or dried for arrangements
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects
• Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Perfect for sustainable, water-wise gardens
• Mixed Borders: Provides soft texture and long-season interest
• Cottage Gardens: Adds romantic, old-fashioned charm

Care & Cultivation

Plant 'Peter Cottontail' in well-drained soil with average to low fertility. Excessive nutrients can lead to lax growth. Regular deadheading extends the bloom period, though the plant rebounds well even without this attention. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. Once established, watering needs are minimal, making this an ideal choice for challenging dry, sunny sites. Perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike seeking an easy-care, long-blooming perennial with distinctive charm and exceptional reliability.

Photo Credit: Walters Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Achillea Peter Cottontail - Yarrow

Yarrow is a true beginner friendly plant. It is does best in poor to average soil and is drought tolerant once established. All it really needs to thrive is well drained soil and a little neglect. As blooms slow down cut the plant down by half and this will often stimulate new growth and additional flowering.