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They are commonly called yarrow.
Achilleas are cheery border, wildflower and rock garden plants with
flattened heads in a range of bright colours from white to lemon,
pink and red. They occur in Europe and temperate areas of Asia. A
few grow in North America. These plants typically have frilly,
hairy, aromatic leaves. These plants show large, flat clusters of
small flowers at the top of the stem. A number of species are
popular garden plants.
Achillea is drought resistant, and
will grow in almost any soil. The plants bloom in June, but will
bloom again in September if the dead clusters are removed. Common
Yarrow has fern-like foliage and can be used as cut flowers. The
species has pink flowers but cultivars can provide white or red
blooms.
They grow in ordinary garden soil and
full sun. Cut off old flowers to prolong the flowering period.
Achillea may become a weed if not controlled. Propagation: Divide in
the spring. The seed germinates in 2 weeks at temperatures between
65 and 75 degrees. Light is necessary for seed germination.
Germination time indoors may be as little as 5 to 7 days.
You should provide good sun and light,
sandy soils. They almost invariably die over winter if there is any
clay in the ground. Achilleas flower from June to July, and
sporadically in August and September if the plants are deadheaded.
Some varieties stand a better chance of surviving if they are cut
back hard after flowering. Divide and rejuvenate the older plants in
autumn or spring, although these new plants usually have inferior
flowers to their parents.
The colors of Achilleas lend
themselves to hot, Mediterranean color schemes.
The flattish, umbel-shaped
flower-heads are complemented by the spikes of the yellow mulleins
and salvias. Some ornamental grasses and sedges, such as carex, also
combine well. Achillea with the blue and violet salvia hybrids, such
as Salvia x sylvestris 'Blauhügel' or 'Mainacht' makes a classic
combination
Did
you know?
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The genus was named for the Greek
mythological character Achilles.
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Achilleas are usually deciduous
perennials best suited to cottage rather than formal gardens.
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