Achillea King Edward

The 'King Edward' Achillea x lewisii is a low-growing and spreading yarrow whose flower stems do not exceed 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in height. Its fine foliage forms an evergreen cushion of silvery grey to olive green. Between spring and summer, depending on the climate, it is covered in umbels of yellowish cream flowers. Like taller yarrows, it is drought-resistant and thrives in well-drained, poor, rocky or sandy soil. It spreads and can form an effective ground cover, provided it is planted in numbers, in less trafficked areas of the garden.

The 'King Edward' Achillea x lewisii is a hybrid between the tomentosa and clavennae species. Like all yarrows, it belongs to the asteraceae family. 'King Edward', with slow growth, forms a ground cover that suckers and roots slowly, forming a compact carpet of 4-5 cm (2in) in height that can withstand moderate foot traffic. The foliage dries up and disappears in summer if it becomes too dry, with the plant going dormant until the return of rain. With occasional watering in summer, a delightful green carpet can be maintained throughout the year. The finely dissected foliage, green in winter, then becomes covered in abundant white hair. This thick fleece gives the leaves a remarkable silvery grey colour in late spring and summer. Flowering is more or less in spring depending on the climate, in warmer climates the flowering period extends from April to May. Under harsher climates, it is more summer-flowering, between June and early September. From the carpet of leaves emerge flower stems 15 cm (6in) in height, producing compact and rounded flower heads, in 5-6 cm (2in) umbels, bearing a multitude of tiny yellowish cream flowers that age to a creamy yellow.

The 'King Edward' Achillea lewisii is very hardy in well-drained soil, but it dislikes heavy and compact soils that remain very moist in winter, which can cause it to disappear. Undemanding, it adapts to any well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is an ideal plant for ground cover and greening slopes in dry areas of the garden. It is perfect in rockeries, along paths or borders, between paving stones. It can be paired with other plants that can be used as lawn alternatives. This plant can help prevent weed growth by releasing chemicals from its leaves that stop the germination and growth of weeds.