Achillea

Achillea, or Yarrow, is an incredibly versatile and much loved garden plant that is well suited to a wide range of sites and soils. A cottage garden staple that comes in a wide range of colors through white to crimson, Achilleas are sure to fit in to most gardens whatever the style or color pallet. Achillea has many benefits in the wildlife garden, the organic garden and the vegetable garden as it attracts many beneficial insects that will act as a pollinator or natural forms of pest control.

How to grow

Achillea is very easy to grow and is almost sure to reward the gardener in the first year of growth. Simply follow the individual planting instructions and plant your plants upon delivery. If this isn’t possible ensure plants are kept moist and store them in a bright and cool space until you are able to move them in to their final planting positions.

Position

Achilleas are sun-loving plants and as such you should endeavor to plant them in a sunny spot. Some of the larger members of the Achillea family are well suited to a position at the back of the border; however, the majority will be happy in the front or middle of borders. As plants are relatively drought resistant they will also thrive in containers.

Soil

A well drained, moisture retentive and fertile soil is ideal when growing Achilleas. Prepare the area well in advance of planting by digging it over whilst incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost. This will help to improve soil structure and drainage but also hold some essential moisture. When planting the addition of a general fertilizer will help to kick start growth.

Care

Achilleas will require little care once established. Newly planted plants should be watered regularly to help them to establish well and irrigation systems are available to make this task easier. A regular application of liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season will help to produce strong and healthy plants and also improve flowering. Once flower heads have faded remove them with Ratcheting Pruners so that plants do not put all their energy in to seed production. An annual spring mulch with well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost will improve soil and add nutrients.

Top Tip

Plant Achilleas near to other garden plants that are prone to aphid attack, such as roses. Hoverflies and ladybirds lay their eggs on Achillea and their larvae feed on aphids thus acting as a natural pest control.

Achillea Cerise Queen

This has to be one of the easiest cottage garden perennials to grow. Achillea Cerise Queen has delightful ferny foliage accompanied by bright sprays of cerise.

Achillea Flowerburst Red Shades

Unleash a summer-long burst of color in beds and borders with this first-rate variety. In a sumptuous blend of mainly red, rose and violet shades, it's loved be bees and butterflies, and is ideal for cutting and drying. Height 75cm (30"). Full growing instructions included. Late March Prefers full sun.

Achillea Ptarmica Noblessa

A noble beauty, bearing masses of double, white, globe-shaped flowers throughout late summer. The drought-tolerant plants are ideal for borders, but are also a great choice for bedding schemes! Height 30cm (12"). Full growing instructions included. Late March Prefers full sun.

Achillea Summerwine

A great border plant, with ferny, aromatic foliage, crowned in summer with flat heads of densely packed deep rose flowers. Beloved by butterflies and ideal for cutting and drying. Height 60cm. Full growing instructions included. Prefers a poor, well-drained spot. Mid February June-September Ideal for beds and borders, patio pots and containers. Prefers full sun.

Sneezewort

Elegant sprays of pure white, double and semi-double pom-pom flowers are borne over a long period from June to August above finely toothed, dark green leaves. This Achillea is vigorous and spreads to form a natural mound. A favorite of Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jeykll, it is excellent for the middle of a sunny, well-drained border, and looks great with a backdrop of evergreens. It is long flowering and drought-tolerant. Garden care: Stake using bamboo canes or brushwood before the flowers appear. Cut down to the ground in autumn. Pull out seedlings as they appear, as they rarely match the parent plant. Lift and divide large clumps in late autumn or early spring. This Achillea is prone to mildew in hot, humid conditions.

Yarrow

Flowering later than many other Yarrows, this one has the same attractive grey-green foliage, from which upright stems emerge bearing flattened heads of pale yellow flowers, which turn to milky white as they mature. After they have faded, the developing seedheads create an attractive silhouette, which remains interesting well into winter if you don't cut it back. A good mixer with other late perennials such as Asters, it also works really well with ornamental grasses. Garden care: Stake using bamboo canes or brushwood before the flowers appear. Cut down to the ground in late winter, but resist the urge to do this earlier, as the seed heads look lovely in the winter light.Lift and divide large clumps in late autumn or early spring.

Try our Water Beads

Blue Water Beads

Use Blue Water Beads to match or contrast with your décor. Place them in a clear pretty bowl or decorated plate with an upturned rim. Mix with other contrast colors from your overall color scheme to pull this together as a centerpiece. It will be a real conversation starter!

Clear Water Beads

Use Clear Water Beads when you just want the delivery system without making a color statement. Mix clear Water Beads with a color to create a lighter effect. Layer them with other colors to provide more visual interest.

Green Water Beads

Use Green Water Beads as a nice understory for potted plants, or a neutral color in a clear vase with a multi-colored bouquet. Layer with Clear for a lighter touch.

Melon Water Beads

Use Melon Water Beads to enhance the color of pink or red flowers, or contrast with white ones.

Orange Water Beads

Use Orange Water Beads to spice up a room. This color works well with Southwest style decorating. Layer them with Teal and Clear for a truly stunning display.

Pink Water Beads

Use Pink Water Beads for a light touch of color to complement pink flowers or contrast with white or purple ones. Put them into a clean candle jar with a tight fitting lid and decorate a little girl’s room.

Purple Water Beads

Use Purple Water Beads in urn-shaped vase as an addition to a contemplation nook. Purple is the color of spirituality and calm, so let these beautiful Water Beads become a focal point for your meditative or prayerful practice.

Teal Water Beads

Use Teal Water Beads to complement aqua and teal colored flowers – like those interesting dyed carnations! Combine with orange and white for southwest style decorating. Combine with clear to remind you of Native American turquoise and silver jewelry.