Photo: Ivar LeidusCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Sneezewort Plant Care
Achillea ptarmica L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Achillea ptarmica is a European species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the genus Achillea of the daisy family Asteraceae. Common names include the sneezewort, sneezeweed, bastard pellitory, European pellitory, fair-maid-of-France, goose tongue, sneezewort yarrow, wild pellitory, and white tansy. It is widespread across most of Europe and naturalized in scattered places in North America. It is native to Europe and western Asia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sneezewort?
Water Sneezewort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Sneezewort?
Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Achillea genus. Sneezewort is also known as European Pellitory, Wild Pellitory, Achillea multiplex.
Sneezewort displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Sneezewort produces flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sneezewort?
Achillea ptarmica requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sneezewort Need?
Sneezewort thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sneezewort Prefer?
Achillea ptarmica grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Sneezewort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sneezewort?
Well-draining, sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Sneezewort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sneezewort?
Feed Sneezewort every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sneezewort?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sneezewort?
Sneezewort can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southernwood yarrow plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sneezewort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sneezewort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sneezewort?
Sneezewort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sneezewort Need?
Sneezewort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Sneezewort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Sneezewort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Achillea genus — compare its care with other Achillea species on PlantoScan.
Achillea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Sneezewort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Achillea Species
Other Achillea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Achillea ptarmica L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 898 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sneezewort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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