Two alternatives to grass; 5 Lippia nodiflora and 5 Achillea crithmifolia.

Lippia, Achillea

6 reviews

5,0/5

6 reviews

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The Lippia nodiflora really does the job as an alternative ground cover to grass. In 5-6 months, it reached its adult size and has a very dense foliage. It's important to respect the minimum planting distance of 50 cm. The yarrow is very beautiful with its grey leaves and upright habit that contrast with the green of the Lippia. The overall combination is truly a good match.

Alain C., 02/10/2024

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45,00 € -21% off the original price

Sku: 84999

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Collection items (10 plants)

x5

Achillea crithmifolia

Price per single item: 7,90 €
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x5

Phyla nodiflora - Capeweed

Price per single item: 5,90 €
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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

A batch of 5 Verbena bonariensis and 5 Achillea crithmifolia to replace the grass in moderately trampled areas of the garden. These perennial plants can cover 2m² of ground, even dry, in just a few months. To be installed in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil.

Exposure

Sun

Hardiness

Hardy down to -9.5°C

Soil type

Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)

Height at maturity

20 cm

Spread at maturity

50 cm

Soil moisture

Dry soil

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Best planting time March to April, September

Recommended planting time February to March, September to November

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FEB F

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MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

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NOV N

DEC D

Flowering time May to August

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FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

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Description

This alternative duo to a lawn consists of a set of 5 Verveine nodiflora plus 5 Achillea crithmifolia. These evergreen perennial ground cover plants are ideal for replacing the lawn in moderately trafficked areas of the garden. Tolerating drought, they grow quickly and prevent the appearance of weeds in the long run. Annual mowing is sufficient, and watering should be adjusted according to the climate. This selection covers approximately 2m² of land in just a few months.

The Achillea crithmifolia, from the aster family, forms a vigorous natural-looking ground cover, 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) high when flowering, depending on the growing conditions. It spreads rapidly, covering 50 cm (20in) to 1m (3ft) through suckers, invading all available space. Its foliage, evergreen in winter, can sometimes dry out in summer during intense drought, but the plant will recover vigorously with the first rains. Very finely dissected, feathery, with a greyish-green with silvery reflections, slightly hairy, it has a very fluffy appearance that is pleasant to touch. The flowering, more abundant in moist soil, takes place in June-July. The flat umbel inflorescences are composed of tiny white flowers with a creamy yellow center. It is hardy down to -15°C.

The Phyla nodiflora, or nodding verbena, is a small perennial that is usually deciduous, sometimes evergreen in mild climates. It quickly forms extensive mats, 1 to 10 cm (1 to 4in) high depending on humidity and shade conditions, covering an area of 1 m² or more. The stems root at each node in contact with the ground, colonizing all available space. The very fragrant flowering begins in May-June and sometimes continues throughout the summer if the soil remains slightly moist. The small pale pink to lilac flowers are grouped in clusters with a diameter of 1 to 3 cm (1in), carried by very short stems just above the foliage. When the summer is very dry, the foliage partially dries out, but it does not harm the plant, which will green up again with the first rains. Its hardiness does not exceed -10 to -12°C.

This alternative duo to a lawn brings together vigorous ground covers with complementary growth cycles; in summer, the Phyla is lush and in full bloom, while in winter, the soft silver foliage of the Achillea takes over. This lovely combination can also effectively cover the ground in solid perennial flowerbeds such as Geranium sanguineum, Erigeron karvinskianus, Nepeta x faassenii. Many combinations are possible, including with Thymus (hirsutus, ciliatus), other yarrows (millefolium, coarctata, nobilis), etc.

The Achillea crithmifolia can be an invasive plant, but its growth can be limited by using anti-rhizome barriers. Hardy and not demanding in terms of soil, water-saving, it limits the proliferation of adventive plants and gives a very natural look to the garden. This yarrow allows you to avoid the mowing (and watering) required for a lawn, even in dry climates, in moderately trafficked areas. It can be associated with others.

The Phyla nodiflora tolerates heavy foot traffic better and can go without watering for 2 to 3 months.

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Family sheet

Modified the 17 February 2026 by Alexandra 15 min.

Achillea : planting, growing and care

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Easy to cultivate, <a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/perennials/perennials-by-variety/achillea.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Achillea</a> or Yarrow is a wonderful perennial plant that with its summer flowering brings an irresistible natural and wild touch to the garden! Moreover, it is an excellent medicinal plant with multiple properties. It also allows for the creation of stunning bouquets of fresh or dried flowers. A good companion plant to place near the vegetable garden, it attracts pollinators and repels pests! The type species, common yarrow or Achillea millefolium, features delicate white flowers. If it proves too pale for your taste, discover the horticultural varieties, which offer a wide range of colours, often in warm tones! It can take on bright yellow, red, pink, or mauve hues. Common yarrow is very widespread, but whatever the colour, it fits perfectly into naturalistic gardens, wild meadows, sunny rockeries, or borders. It is unmatched in adding a splash of colour and dynamism to flower beds. We love it for its natural and wild character! Yarrow is an excellent perennial to plant in hot and dry conditions. Hardy, it is not very susceptible to pests and diseases, and it is also resistant to heat and drought! It requires no special attention. In fact, it is even advisable to install it near a vegetable garden, as it will repel harmful insects. It is a top choice for dry, poor and sunny soils! It requires little attention and will charm you with its generous summer flowering. It can cover ungracious or difficult-to-cultivate areas, neglected spots where other plants do not thrive. Once established, it spreads easily thanks to its rootstock and self-seeds spontaneously. So if your land is dry and poor, take advantage of it! Rich soils might, on the contrary, make it more fragile.

Flowering

Flower colour two-tone

Flowering time May to August

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen

Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm

Spread at maturity 50 cm

Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Lippia, Achillea

Product reference • 84999

Planting and care

Achillea crithmifolia and Lippia nodiflora are easily cultivated in full sun (or partial shade in hot and dry climates), in well-prepared, drained, and loosened soil to facilitate their establishment. Achillea can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), while Lippia nodiflora can tolerate temperatures around -12°C (10.4°F). They adapt perfectly to drained limestone or clay soils, even when dry in summer. In dry regions, watering every 15 days is sufficient to prevent the foliage of Achillea from drying out, while Lippia nodiflora requires no watering at all. Elsewhere, the plants can manage on their own. They are not very demanding regarding soil type, but they will be more floriferous and grow faster in slightly moist soil. It should be noted that these plants are perfectly resistant to water shortage; they simply go dormant during drought but will vigorously regrow once the rains return. Careful weeding is necessary during the first year until complete coverage is achieved. Afterwards, manual weeding should be done 2 to 3 times a year. Occasional mowing can replace manual weeding on large areas.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April, September

Recommended planting time February to March, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge

Type of use Edge of border, Slope

Hardiness Hardy down to -9.5°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map

Ease of cultivation Amateur

Planting density 5 per m2

Exposure Sun

Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous

Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)

Soil moisture Dry soil, Very well-draining, lightweight.

Care

Pruning instructions Mow 1 to 2 times a year depending on your climate, to encourage the young plant to produce fresh foliage. In cool soil, it is sometimes necessary to mow the foliage of the yarrow 3 times.

Pruning Pruning recommended once a year

Disease resistance Very good

Overwinter Can be left in the ground