Achillea 'Peter Cottontail'

Achillea 'Peter Cottontail': Whimsical White Blooms with Wild Garden Charm

With its charming, button-like ivory blooms and soft, upright habit, Achillea 'Peter Cottontail' adds a playful twist to the classic yarrow. Rounded rather than flat-topped, the creamy-white flower heads seem to float above the finely cut green foliage, offering a light, airy presence that works beautifully in cottage borders, pollinator plantings, and naturalistic designs. Long blooming, low maintenance, and highly drought tolerant, this distinctive cultivar blends softness and structure with graceful ease.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a mounded, well-branched clump
• Flower Colour: Creamy white, rounded button-like blooms
• Flowering Period: Early summer into early fall; reblooms with deadheading
• Foliage: Finely textured, green, fern-like leaves with aromatic quality
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, gravelly, or average conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Peter Cottontail' brings soft structure, long bloom, and whimsical texture to sunny borders and wildlife-friendly plantings. Its fluffy white flowers are a favourite of bees and butterflies, while its neat, clump-forming growth fits effortlessly into both modern and cottage-style designs. Highly drought and deer resistant, it’s well-suited to tough sites, small gardens, and sustainable landscapes seeking a fresh take on a native favourite.

Companion Plants: Complement the airy charm of 'Peter Cottontail' with Nepeta 'Walker’s Low' for lavender-blue contrast and aromatic foliage. Echo the soft ivory tones with Echinacea 'PowWow White', whose bold daisies add form and extended interest. Add Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' for upright, deep violet spikes that punctuate the design with saturated colour and structure.

Care Instructions: Once established, water only during extended dry spells. Deadhead regularly to extend the bloom season. Cut back in fall or early spring to rejuvenate growth. Divide every 2–3 years in spring to maintain vigour and a compact habit. Avoid overly rich soils, which can lead to floppy growth.

History: Bred by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, 'Peter Cottontail' is a refined selection of Achillea millefolium, chosen for its rounded blooms, tidy habit, and long flowering window. It brings a fresh, textural update to the species’ rugged charm, honouring its native roots while offering something new for modern garden palettes.

Final Thoughts: Soft, whimsical, and easy to grow, Achillea 'Peter Cottontail' adds a cloud-like presence to sunny gardens with its playful blooms and pollinator appeal. A perfect mix of wild beauty and garden polish, it’s a gentle standout from summer to fall.