Achillea crithmifolia: an evergreen alternative lawn for a refined garden

Achillea crithmifolia is an alternative to the classic English lawn, with soft, velvety grey-green leaves. It is an extremely versatile variety to combine with other low-water-use lawns and, above all, very cold-hardy. Once planted, it creates a silvery carpet that adds a refined and elegant touch to any garden.

Its name points to an ancient history. It derives from an epic tale recounted by Pliny the Elder in his natural history treatise, according to which Achilles used one of the varieties of this species during the siege of Troy to treat the wounds of Patroclus. A plant with a thousand properties known since ancient times, which remains remarkable today: Achillea crithmifolia is an evergreen groundcover perfect for a low-water-use garden, featuring soft, finely cut foliage.

1. The characteristics of Achillea crithmifolia
2. Planting and maintenance of Achillea crithmifolia
3. Low-water-use lawn combinations

The characteristics of Achillea crithmifolia

Achillea crithmifolia is a grey-leaved plant that produces cream-coloured flowers between June and July. Like all grey-leaved plants, it is highly resistant to low temperatures, making it extremely versatile and suitable for winter landscapes.

Among its properties, Achillea is also an evergreen groundcover: this means the garden remains aesthetically pleasing even in winter, even in quite severe weather, because it does not tend to brown or thin out.

Furthermore, Achillea crithmifolia is highly susceptible to waterlogging. This is another typical characteristic of grey-leaved plants, which require well-drained soil and at least half a day of full sun to achieve the appearance of an elegant, densely textured silvery carpet.

Planting and maintenance of Achillea crithmifolia

Where should Achillea crithmifolia be planted?

The position is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing this low-water-use lawn variety. Achillea crithmifolia, in fact, does not tolerate damp conditions and needs to be planted in full sun, at least for a good half of the day. If you plan to plant it under a tree, make sure the tree is tall enough to allow sufficient light to reach the Achillea: low trees tend to cast dense shade that prevents moisture from evaporating.

When should Achillea be planted?

As with most lawn alternatives, the best time to plant Achillea crithmifolia is in early autumn. During the establishment phase, the young plants will need more watering and, by taking advantage of the rainfall during the wet season, you can save valuable resources. However, spring planting is also possible and equally suitable for the harmonious growth of the young plants. In this case, you will need to provide a few extra waterings during the first summer to support the young plants as they establish.

What are the stages of planting and subsequent maintenance?

During the establishment phase, the Achillea crithmifolia lawn will need to be watered infrequently but with abundant water. As with all alternative lawns, the watering frequency should be assessed independently during this initial phase, watering with abundant water whenever the soil is completely dry at a depth of 8/10 cm. Once the lawn has been established for one year, watering can be limited to once (or at most twice) a year.

The planting density we recommend, 10 young plants per square metre, will allow Achillea crithmifolia to form a uniform cover within 8/12 months. Maintenance of Achillea does not require a great deal of resources either: we recommend 2 to 6 mowings per year.

Low-water-use lawn combinations with Achillea crithmifolia

Achillea crithmifolia is extremely versatile to combine and can be planted with other groundcovers. A mixed lawn, in fact, is always much more resistant than a monoculture, and Achillea's potential is greatly enhanced by choosing the right mix of alternative lawns. Here are our recommendations for the best combinations with Achillea crithmifolia.

Achillea crithmifolia + Lippia nodiflora + Verbena hybrida

An incredible combination, in which Achillea is perfect for toning down the showy flowers of the two verbenaceae.

Achillea crithmifolia + Frankenia laevis

A combination that creates an extremely cold-hardy lawn suitable for low temperatures in mountain landscapes.

Achillea crithmifolia + Verbena hybrida + Cotula lineariloba

An alternative lawn mix perfect for creating a colourful yet elegant garden that does not attract bees.

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