Achillea

Continuing our series on plants with drought tolerant tendencies, this month we look at the Genus Achillea.

Here on the nursery we grow plants from 3 species, millefolium (more commonly known as Yarrow), filipendulina and ptarmica.

Achillea millefolium.

Held on stiff upright stems and with soft, ferny, often aromatic foliage, these plants make great cut flowers, have long lasting flowers and are a magnet for bees and butterflies. They are uncomplicated and easy to grow in most soils and in full sun or part shade.

Named after Achilles, they were said to have been used by the Greek hero and his soldiers to treat their wounds.

The flat-topped flower heads or corymbs,  are made up of many small open flowers clustered together. This makes for a handy landing pad and feeding station for many flying pollinators.

Available in a variety of colours, these plants are either fully deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on the species. They will tolerate most types of soil except heavy clay that gets very wet in Winter. The addition of drainage material such as grit or bark to the planting area can help with this issue.

They have no particular requirements when it comes to pH. Those with silvery foliage need more sun. Some of the very tall varieties may need staking in exposed areas and if in too much shade the stems may lean toward the light.

These are the plants that are more commonly referred to as Yarrows.

  Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate' (Tutti Frutti Series) Height x Spread: 40cm x 40cm

 Achillea millefolium ‘Pomegranate’ (Tutti Frutti Series) is one of the shorter varieties and has spectacularly intense flowers that always causes a stir.

 Achillea 'Terracotta' Height x Spread: 70cm x 70cm

  Achillea 'Gloria Jean' Height x Spread: 60cm x 60cm

Achillea are short lived perennials that will eventually need to be replaced, but established clumps can be split when the foliage dies back in late Autumn or Spring.

To encourage more flowers, remove faded heads as they develop to stimulate the production of new buds.

Achillea filipendulina

  Achillea filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold' Height x Spread: 120cm x 60cm

One of the largest Achillea we sell is Achillea filipendulina ‘Cloth of Gold’. This group need full sun and sharp drainage and due to their height should be staked as they can get very top heavy when it rains. Ideal for the back of a sunny border or in a prairie planting scheme with tall grasses. They also need to be in alkaline soil.

Achillea ptarmica

These plants differ in that their small button like flowers are held in loose clusters. The flowers can be single or semi double in appearance.  Some also need to be grown in part shade and will suffer if exposed to the full impact of hot sun all day. Their growing style is reminiscent of Gypsophila and they can be used to the same effect for softening the feel of a planting scheme.

Follow this link to see the full range we offer. Genus - Achillea (hardysplants.co.uk)