Cretan Yarrow Plant Care
Achillea cretica L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring delicate, feathery leaves that give it a lacy appearance, this plant originates from the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors are drawn to Achillea cretica for its unique foliage and its ability to attract butterflies and bees to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cretan Yarrow?
Water Cretan Yarrow 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 Cretan Yarrow?
Cretan Yarrow (Achillea cretica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Achillea genus. Cretan Yarrow is native to Greece, the East Aegean Islands, Crete, Turkey, and Cyprus. Cretan Yarrow is also known as Yarrow, Achillea erioclada, Achillea santolina.
Cretan Yarrow displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cretan Yarrow produces flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cretan Yarrow?
Achillea cretica 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 Cretan Yarrow Need?
Cretan Yarrow thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cretan Yarrow Prefer?
Achillea cretica grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cretan Yarrow prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cretan Yarrow?
Well-draining, sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Cretan Yarrow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cretan Yarrow?
Feed Cretan Yarrow 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 Cretan Yarrow?
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 Cretan Yarrow?
Cretan Yarrow can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southernwood yarrow plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cretan Yarrow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cretan Yarrow, 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 Cretan Yarrow?
Cretan Yarrow 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 Cretan Yarrow Need?
Cretan Yarrow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Cretan Yarrow is native to Greece, the East Aegean Islands, Crete, Turkey, and Cyprus.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Cretan Yarrow 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.
Cretan Yarrow 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 cretica L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 899 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cretan Yarrow, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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