How to Grow Coronation Gold
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Coronation Gold
Achillea 'Coronation Gold'
flowerCoronation Gold is a cultivar of yarrow prized for its vibrant golden-yellow flat-topped flower clusters that bloom prolifically throughout summer. This hardy perennial features feathery, finely divided foliage and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. It's an excellent choice for borders, cut flowers, and pollinator gardens.
When should you plant Coronation Gold in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Coronation Gold timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coronation Gold
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Coronation Gold blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coronation Gold dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; extremely cold and heat hardy
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with fine cotyledons emerge and develop first true leaves with characteristic feathery appearance
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged; provide good air circulation to prevent damping off; thin crowded seedlings
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops bushy mounded form with increasingly dense, finely divided gray-green foliage
Water moderately; avoid overwatering; minimal fertilizer needed; pinch back growth at 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness
Flowering
6-10 weeks or longerDistinctive flat-topped (corymb) clusters of tiny golden-yellow flowers appear on sturdy stems above the foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; stake if needed in windy locations; flowers dry well while on stem
Seed Development & Dormancy
4-8 weeksFlowers fade to russet and brown as seeds form; foliage begins to dry back in fall and winter
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production and wildlife food; reduce watering significantly; cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur spray if needed; resistant cultivar naturally resists in dry conditions
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe; maintain adequate humidity
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and
Remove debris and mulch where they hide; hand-pick early morning or evening; use copper barriers if needed
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Uses
Herbal Tea & Infusions
CulinaryYarrow flowers and foliage can be dried and brewed into a traditional herbal tea known for digestive support and warming properties in folk medicine traditions. [source]
Long-lasting Cut & Dried Flowers
HouseholdCoronation Gold is prized by florists for cut flower arrangements and dries beautifully for long-term dried displays, maintaining vibrant color and form for over a year. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalYarrow has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for wound healing, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory purposes, though scientific validation is ongoing. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich golden flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the long bloom season, making it essential for pollinator gardens. [source]
Flower Drying & Crafts
CraftThe sturdy stems and lasting color make Coronation Gold ideal for pressed flowers, wreaths, potpourri, and other dried flower craft projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers when clusters are fully open but still vibrant in color; best harvested in early morning; Coronation Gold dries exceptionally well—harvest for drying when clusters are fully developed and before colors fade completely; hang bundles upside down in warm, dry location; flowers maintain color for dried arrangements for months
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coronation Gold was named to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and has remained a garden favorite for over 70 years
- 🌱 Yarrow gets its scientific name 'Achillea' from the Greek hero Achilles, who legend says used yarrow to heal wounded soldiers during the Trojan War
- 🌱 A single Coronation Gold plant can produce hundreds of tiny individual flowers clustered in a single flat head, providing nectar from mid-summer through fall
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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