Goudduizendblad

Achillea filipendulina

Engels: Fernleaf yarrow

perennialAsteraceae

Goudduizendblad (Achillea filipendulina) is a perennial from the Asteraceae family that grows up to 120cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires low maintenance. Blooms in early summer and summer and late summer with yellow flowers and attracts bees and butterflies.

Hoogte

80–120 cm

Breedte

40–60 cm

Zonligging

full sun, partial shade

Waterbehoefte

low water needs

Grondsoort

sandy soil, loam, chalky soil

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Bloeitijd

early summer, summer, late summer

Bloemkleuren

yellow

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

🦋 Trekt vlinders aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
🌱Planten
✂️Snoeien
💧Bemesten

Care tips

Planting

Achillea filipendulina thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, though flowering will be less prolific in shadier spots. Choose a well-drained site; this perennial is particularly suited to sandy soil, loam, or chalky soil and dislikes heavy, waterlogged ground. Before planting, dig over the soil to break up any compaction and remove perennial weeds. There's no need to enrich the soil with compost or manure—goudduizendblad actually performs better in lean, free-draining conditions, which encourage sturdy stems and reduce the risk of flopping. Plant in March, April, or May for establishment before summer, or in September and October to give roots time to settle before winter. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot, and backfill with soil, firming gently. Space plants 45 cm apart to allow good air circulation and room for the clumps to spread to their mature width of 40–60 cm. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots, but thereafter goudduizendblad needs very little supplementary watering once established—it has low water requirements and tolerates drought well. A light mulch of gravel or grit around the base can help suppress weeds and improve drainage, but avoid organic mulches like bark or compost, which can retain too much moisture around the crown. No staking is usually necessary if the plant is grown in full sun and lean soil, as stems remain sturdy and upright.

Pruning

Goudduizendblad requires minimal pruning, but a couple of seasonal cuts will keep plants tidy and encourage better performance. The main pruning window is in March or November, depending on your preference and garden style. In November, once flowering has finished and the foliage begins to die back, you can cut the whole plant down to ground level, removing all spent stems and leaves. This tidies the border for winter and reduces the risk of fungal problems in damp weather. Alternatively, leave the dried flowerheads standing through winter—they provide structure, seed for birds, and shelter for beneficial insects—then cut back hard in March just as new basal growth emerges. Use clean, sharp secateurs or hedging shears for the job. Cut stems down to within 5–10 cm of the ground, just above the fresh shoots. Remove all old growth to the compost heap (goudduizendblad is not prone to persistent disease, so composting is safe). If you prefer a longer flowering season, deadhead spent blooms during summer by cutting stems back to a side shoot or basal foliage; this can stimulate a modest second flush of flowers in late summer, though it's not essential. Goudduizendblad can become congested after three or four years, leading to weaker flowering and die-back in the centre of the clump. Every three to four years in early spring (March or April), lift and divide mature clumps, replanting vigorous outer sections and discarding the woody centre. This rejuvenates the plant and maintains flowering quality.

Maintenance

Once established, goudduizendblad is exceptionally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Water only during prolonged dry spells in the first growing season to help roots establish; thereafter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot and weak, floppy growth, so err on the side of dryness. Feed sparingly. In April or May, apply a light dressing of general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) or a balanced slow-release feed around the base of the plant. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers and can cause stems to flop. On fertile soils, feeding may not be necessary at all—goudduizendblad is adapted to lean conditions and excessive fertility weakens it. This perennial is fully hardy to zone 3, so overwintering in temperate Europe presents no difficulty. Leave the crown undisturbed through winter; it will reshoot reliably in spring. No protective mulch or covering is needed. Goudduizendblad is generally pest- and disease-free, but watch for powdery mildew in late summer, especially in crowded plantings or during humid weather. Improve air circulation by thinning congested clumps and avoid overhead watering. Aphids occasionally cluster on young shoots in spring; a strong jet of water or an insecticidal soap usually resolves the problem. Slugs and snails rarely bother the tough, aromatic foliage. Mulch lightly with gravel if desired to suppress weeds, but keep mulch clear of the crown to prevent rot.