{"product_id":"achillea-cloth-of-gold","title":"Achillea Cloth of Gold","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAchillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFern-leaf Yarrow 'Cloth of Gold'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTowering, architectural plates of brilliant golden-yellow held high on stiff, self-supporting stems above a clump of finely-cut, aromatic foliage — 'Cloth of Gold' is the achillea that gives the back of the cottage border real height and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is the giant of the achillea world. While most yarrows top out around knee height, \u003cem\u003eAchillea filipendulina\u003c\/em\u003e 'Cloth of Gold' rises confidently to 1.2–1.5m, carrying flat-topped flower plates the size of a side plate in the warmest shade of mustard-gold the genus produces. The stems are remarkably strong and rarely need staking — this is a back-of-border plant that earns its place by holding its own. The deeply cut, ferny leaves are spicy-scented and naturally deer- and rabbit-resistant, making it a particular favourite in rural Norfolk gardens like ours. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised, and one of the very best achilleas for drying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSurface-sow indoors from February to April, pressing the tiny seeds onto moist compost without covering — achillea needs light to germinate. Keep at 18–20°C; germination takes two to three weeks. Plant out into full sun and well-drained soil after the last frost. 'Cloth of Gold' is genuinely drought-tolerant once established and resents wet feet in winter, so good drainage matters more than soil fertility. First-year plants establish their root system; expect the full architectural display from year two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAt the back of the cottage border, where its height anchors the planting and the gold echoes warm-toned roses, sunflowers and rudbeckia. Outstanding as a dried flower — harvest when the plates are fully open and hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark place to preserve the gold colour for months. The flat heads make perfect landing pads for butterflies, bees and hoverflies, and the structure persists into autumn for seedheads that stand handsomely through winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePair the gold of 'Cloth of Gold' with the cerise heads of \u003cem\u003eAchillea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Cerise Queen' for warm summer harmony, or contrast with the violet-blue spikes of Salvia or the soft plumes of Bunny Tails grass for textural interest. For a true prairie scheme, combine with \u003cem\u003eEchinacea\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eVerbena bonariensis\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57888036290934,"sku":"ACH-COG","price":2.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/3566\/5206\/files\/achillea-cloth-of-gold-1596260.jpg?v=1779020121","url":"https:\/\/www.summerwoodenplanters.com\/products\/achillea-cloth-of-gold","provider":"Summer Wooden Planters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}