Achillea ptarmica ‘The Pearl’ (Sneezewort) - White Pompon Cultivar of a Native - Damp Borders & Pond Edges (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A classic cottage-garden double white sneezewort, ‘The Pearl’ throws masses of neat pompon blooms over fresh green, narrow leaves from early-late summer. Unlike most yarrows, Achillea ptarmica is naturally a damp-ground native; the cultivar keeps that preference, thriving in moist, fertile soil at the pond collar or damp border (it’s not an aquatic). Clumps are 45-60 cm tall, spreading steadily by short rhizomes to make a generous patch that’s easy to edit with a spade. Lovely as a cool, white contrast to loosestrife, water mint and sedges; excellent cut flower that lasts well.

Where it thrives

• Light: Full sun to light/partial shade (best in sun)

• Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / damp border in moist, humus-rich soil; will cope with heavier clay if improved - do not submerge

• Setting: Front/mid border or rim, weaving between taller marginals

Planting & care

• Plant into peat-free compost/soil improved with leaf-mould; mulch annually to hold moisture

• Deadhead for repeat bloom; shear lightly after a main flush to refresh

• Divide every 2-3 years (spring or early autumn) to keep clumps vigorous and contained

• In dry spells, water deeply; this achillea dislikes drought compared with other yarrows

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental use only - do not ingest. People with sensitive skin may react to foliage; wear gloves if prone to irritation. Keep plant material and soil out of natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
As a double form, ‘The Pearl’ offers reduced nectar/pollen access compared with the single native sneezewort - it’s mainly for display and structure. Boost pollinator forage nearby with single-flowered natives (e.g., Water Mint, Purple Loosestrife, Myosotis).

Joel says…
“Think clean white confetti for the damp rim - easy, long-flowering and brilliant for tying schemes together. Keep it moist, shear for encores, and split it when the clump spreads.”