Commonly called Yarrow, Achillea species such as Achillea millefolium are also known as milfoil. These are a very hardy easy care herbaceous perennial. Achillea are great as dried cut flowers, with strong stems and the ability to hold color well.
All species are great border plant, a range of bright colours from white through pink and red.
Upright growing and self supporting these are a very easy plant for the cottage garden.
Achillea millefolium also attracts beneficial insects to the garden
Plant yarrow near roses to attach hover flies and ladybirds to combat aphids. Named cultivars such as ‘Peachy Seduction’ and ‘Pineapple Mango’ hint at the new colours available.
Achillea (Yarrow) Varieties
- Achillea filipendula ‘Parker’s Variety’ is an old cultivar and can still be found in some perennial seed catalogues.
- Achillea argentea
- Achillea ptarmica ‘The Pearl’ has white pop pom like flowers and is an attractive addition.
- Achillea clypeolata has great foliage as well as flowers.
- Achillea tomentosa the ‘dwarf or woolly yarrow is a matt forming perennial’.
- ‘Walter Funke’ – A wonderful hybrid from Germany, brick red flowers which turn a lighter colour as they fade. Reaches around 70 – 80 cm in height.
- Cerise Queen
- Cloth of Gold
- Red Velvet
- Terracotta
- Terracotta
One of the the rarer species offered in Australia is A. ageratifolia or ‘Greek Yarrow’, low growing with silvery foliage and attractive white flowers. More of a mound forming type than others and well suited for use as an edging plant. This one is available for sale from Lynn’s Rare Plants
Care and Growing conditions
Achillea are a very hardy herbaceous perennial (a member of the daisy family). Best suited to cool to temperate Mediterranean type climates and not really good in humid tropical areas.
They prefer growing in a humus rich deep soil with good drainage, poor soils are OK as long as they are well drained and yet retain a little moisture.
Propagation is easy by division of established clumps in winter to early spring, or from seed.
With division it is important to keep new planting watered preferably with a liquid seaweed fertilizer which will help with establishment of new root systems.
Great as dried cut flowers, with strong stems and the ability to hold colour well.
Pruning.
Achillea can be pruned back hard after the first flowering, a second flowering will usually follow.
Summary
- Achillea are great border plant.
- Range of bright colours from white through yellow, orange, pink and red, fern like foliage.
- Will tolerate full sun and poor soil.
Achillea (yarrow) plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
www.planterspatch.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au