Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' - Sneezewort, Pond Edge & Border Plant

Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' is a double-flowered form of sneezewort, a British native wild flower. From June to August it carries loose sprays of small, pure white, pompom flowers above narrow, finely toothed, dark green leaves.

'The Pearl' at a glance

Botanical name	Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl'
Common name	Sneezewort
Plant type	Clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 90 cm–1 m tall, 50–100 cm wide
Flowers	Pure white double pompoms in loose sprays, June to August
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Moist but well-drained soil; not waterlogged
Pond depth	None – moist border, not wet ground or water
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	Garden form of the UK native sneezewort

Is 'The Pearl' a bog plant?

No. It needs more moisture than most achilleas, but the RHS says it must not be waterlogged, and it suffers in very wet winters. Grow it in a moist but well-drained border near a pond, not in a bog garden or at the water's edge.

Is it good for wildlife?

Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and birds eat the seed heads.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in spring in sun or part shade. It spreads vigorously, so give it room, and stake it in exposed spots. Watch for aphids and powdery mildew.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.