- Botanical Name
- Achillea ptarmica
- Family
- Asteraceae / Compositae
- Plant Type
- Semi Evergreen Perennial
- Size (HxW)
- 30-60cm x 30-50cm
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant at the same level as in the pot with roots spread evenly below soil surface. Space 30-50cm apart.
- Soil
- Moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Not too fussy but needs good drainage.
- Aspect
- Full sun to light shade
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Hardy
- Water
- Water to establish, it takes around 4-6 weeks of regular watering, for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil. Then you only need to top up if rainfall is low during active growth, they are quite dry tolerant once established but tend to flower better with a little moisture.
- Fertiliser
- Add a general purpose fertiliser when you see the new growth. They actually seem to prefer poor soil, so don’t go too overboard.
- Flowering Time
- Late spring to autumn
- After Flower Care
- Regular dead heading will extend the season, cutting spent flower stems back to the base. Or cut back to half midsummer and lightly apply a well balanced fertiliser, you should have a second flush of blooms in no time. At the end of the season, the spent flower heads can make an attractive winter feature, especially when covered in frost. Cut flowers can be dried.
- Notes
- Ensure good air flow around the plants to avoid mildew. Avoid open, windy spots as the tall stems may flop in harsh weather. Mulch in winter. Keep protected from aphids. Propagate by division, divide every three to four years in spring/autumn. Can self seed, these are easily removed or shared.
