Yarrow

Position: full sunSoil: well-drained, including dry soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: June to AugustHardiness: fully hardyAchilleas are in vogue again, thanks in part to the many different colours and cultivars that have become available in recent years. Achillea was named by Linnaeus, the modern father of horticulture, in honour of the Greek hero Achilles. They are generally short-lived perennials, with flat, plate-like flowerheads held high on tall stems, and ferny foliage beneath. This one has has large clusters of tiny, wine red flowers with white centres. It is long flowering and drought-tolerant. Try it in a sunny spot towards the back of an herbaceous border, in a border of hot colours, or among grasses. It makes an excellent cut flower.Garden care: Achilleas do not llke wet soil. Stake using bamboo canes or brushwoodbefore the flowers appear. Cut down to the ground in late winter, butresist the urge to do this earlier, as the seed heads look lovely inthe winter light. Pull out seedlings as they appear, as they rarelymatch the parent plant. Lift and divide large clumps in late autumn orearly spring....more Price: £5.95 Source: Crocus •