Peter Cottontail Yarrow

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

1.5-2 Feet

Mature Spread

28-30 Inches

Growing Zones

3 to 8

There are only a handful of perennial plants that cute little woodland creatures don’t destroy. Look no further than 'Peter Cottontail' yarrow. Unlike the name, Peter Cottontail or Bambi will steer clear of this perennial beauty. The official name is Achillea ptarmica and it is native to Europe. The ‘Peter Cottontail’ variety was selected for having large puffy, ivory bunny tail blooms. This herbaceous perennial strikingly resembles baby’s breath and it will bloom from July through September. Expect hundreds of white button-sized daisies on one single plant.

These dainty flowers are sure to be a butterfly magnet too. Once established this yarrow is fairly drought tolerant. Enchant your garden. Create a whimsical cottage garden with flowers that are beautiful yet small and mighty. Attention is in the details and ‘Peter Cottontail’ is the perfect cut flower or everlasting dried flower arrangement. Its flowers make a perfect thriller attribute to a perennial combination planter.

Peter Cottontail Yarrow Care

In its native habitat, Achillea ptarmica is typically found near marshes or streams in heavy clay soil. Full sun to part sun with well-draining, poor to slightly acidic soils mimics yarrow’s native environment. Applying fertilizer is not recommended. It has average watering needs but can undergo periods of drought once established after a year.

After the flowers fade in September, cut the plant down to half its size and it will be invigorated with green growth in the Spring. This plant is extremely winter hardy outdoors from zones 3 to 8 a. When overwintering containers, store containers in a sheltered location, water the soil monthly while dormant, and protect pots from winter wind and direct sun.

Peter Cottontail Yarrow Spacing

This plant is relatively medium in size, only reaching 2 feet tall. In order for these plants to reach full size, space plants at least 30 inches apart. When creating borders, stay consistent with the same plants and ideally plant in odd numbers (3, 6, 9 etc.) for a more professional look.

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