Perennials: Achillea
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2-3ft |
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2-3ft |
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June - August/September |
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Deep, well-drained soil |
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Full sun |
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Stem rot, powdery mildew and rust |
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Cut back in late fall |
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Dry to medium |
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Medium |
Achillea
Common Name: yarrow
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Europe to western Asia, North America
Bloom Color: White, pinks & yellows
Achillea are amongst the most popular perennials, known for there gorgeous flat, wide flower heads of loose rounded clusters of daisy like flowers. However, due to its invasive nature, many consider it an annoying weed. [Common yarrow has been found in America since it was introduced from Europe and Asia during colonial times and it can be seen, naturalized, along roadsides and often in areas of waste ground].
This perennial is available in a number of popular varieties such as Achillea millefolium (Cerise Queen pictured above), Achillea filiipendulina (King Edward shown right, click to enlarge the image), Achillea clypeolata, Achillea ptarmica and Achillea taygetea.
Achillea gets its name from the word "Achilles", the famous hero of Greek mythology and most well known for his role in the Trojan Wars. Achilles used the plant widely for its wide ranging medicinal properties, most especially its amazing ability to stop beeding quickly and to help heal wounds. Achillea is "the herb of Achilles" but also known as "bloodwort", "nose bleed" and "soldier’s woundwort".
Cultivation
Achillea is incredibly tolerant of drought and will easily grow on the poorest of soils but it dislikes soil which is not well drained. Sandy loams with good drainage are best but avoid shaded areas as this perennial requires full sun to flourish and avoid windy areas.
Plant Achillea from the fall (autumn) until early spring in a sunny area with well drained soil. Towards the end of fall cut back the flower stems to ground level.
More about Achillea and other perennials below, after this video presentation
Propagation
Achillea are really easy to propagate as they are very invasive perennials. However if you have a variety which you wish to propagate divide the roots into sections in early spring. Try to ensure that there are about four or five young shoots on each section, and replant in well drained soil.
Achillea can also be grown from seed. Sow the seeds, under glass, in early spring and, when they are large enough, prick out and transfer them to an outside nursery bed. It is best to move young plants to their flowering positions in the fall or early the following spring.
Problems
Achillea are generally trouble free and spread easily (to a point of nuisance). However, sometimes, a plant can develop stem rot, rust or powdery mildew. They are also susceptible to wind and they are easily flattened by heavy persistent rain (but they should bounce back). Also, if you do not maintain them well, they can become rather leggy and unsightly so always try to cut them back towards the end of the summer and fall.
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