Yarrow

Achillea millefolium Red Velvet

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moist, well-drained, non acidic
• Rate of Growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to early August, with potential for 2nd flush
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Achilleas are in vogue again, thanks in part tothe many different colours and improved 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 above ferny foliage. This one has been bred to give rich velvety-red flowers with pinpoint yellow centres over a long period. Most importantly, the flowers have good resistance to fading. Best in full sun in the middle rank of the border. Achilleas will attract many beneficial insects including bees, butterflies and hoverflies to the garden.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect from slugs. Stake using twiggy stems before the flowers appear. Cut back after first flowering to encouragesecondary flush in late summer/early autumn. Old clumps can be revived by lifting, splitting and replanting in spring.