Perennials: Achillea ptarmica

	75cm (2½ft)
	30-38cm (15in)
	June - late August
	Moist, Well-drained/light, Sandy
	Full sun or artial shade
	Hardy Herbaceous perennial
	No serious pest or disease problems.
	Cut back in fall to ground level
	Dry to medium
	Low

Achillea ptarmica

Common Name: Sneezewort
Genus: Achillea
Bloom Color: White with yellow

Achillea ptarmica is a cultivated form of sneezewort, which spreads rapidly, with loose clusters of white daisy-like button, double flowers. The sprays of flowers grow to about 10cm (4in). The folliage consists of narrow tapering, finely toothed, mid to dark green leaves.

The flowers, which appear in steady succession from june to August (but can continue until as late as October), are excellent for cutting for fresh or dried flower displays. Cutting the flowers seems to encourage more to grow!

Popular varieties include "The pearl" which is pictured top and right. The Pearl creates a snowball-like cluster of pure white flowers up to around 40cm (16in).

Cultivation

Achillea ptarmica will grow well in any well drained light soil and proves excellent for inclusion in a sunny border. Sneezewort, like many other Achillea, is brought tolerant and hardy but benefits from the stems being cut back, hard, to the ground at fall (autumn).

This hardy perennial is suitable for coastal areas, itis also tolerant of partial shade and seems to grow best on the poorest of soils. However the roots can prove invasive.

Propagation

Achillea ptarmica can easily be propagated by splitting the roots in spring or fall, cuttings (about 10cm) taken in early spring will be ready for planting out and seeds sown in spring germinate in around three months.

Other Uses

Achillea ptarmica leaves, like those of Achillea millefolium, have properties which offer pain relief. The leaves can be chewed to give relief from toothache. Other similarities include the fact that the leaves act as an insect repellent.

As the name, sneezewort, suggests, this plant can have some hilarious effects and the dried and powdered leaves have long been used in the production of sneezing powder.

Other uses include various herbal applications which include the essential oil of Achillea ptarmica in their ingredients.

 

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