Genus Achillea widely spread

Press, 23 July 1976, Page 8

Genus Achillea widely spread

Yarrow is but one of about 100 species of plants belonging to the genus Acfiillea. The genus is widely spread throughout much of the northern hemisphere and is represented in the garden as a perennial, a sometimes tenacious weed and as the component of many lawns. The specific name ot Achillea is said to have been bestowed on the genus in recognition of Achilles’s use of yarrow to staunch his wounds.

Yarrow is frequently referred to as a milfoil meaning “thousand leaved.” an apt description of its finely-divided leaves; another less commonly known and used name for the same plant is “nose-bleed,” probably applied in deference to its

reputed herbal qualities tn such matters.

Although Achilieas may not be to everyone’s liking they do possess one distinct virtue which cannot, be disregarded. Achillea has the ability to thrive in unrelenting sun and drought conditions, for unlike most perennials they seem to thrive on adversity. If you pamper them with rich soil, frequent watering, etc, they will be a disappointment. Achilieas can be readily grown from seed, division of existing clumps in spring, or early autumn, and from cuttings (for at least one species). As cut flowers they have considerable merit for floral decorations and if picked in their prime they can be easily dried for winter use. Yellow, white and cense are the basic colours of the composite flower heads of milfoil, which are made up of hundreds of minute blooms; but these colours range from very bold to very pale.

There are some very dwarf varieties such as Achillea ageratifolia “Aizoon” which attains a. height of about 20 centimetres. This little, typically clumpy plant makes a reliable rock garden subject and tough ground cover.

Achillea umbellata, of similar proportions, grows into a neat mat of filigree with tiny white flowers while A. tomentosa aurea is somewhat smaller, the yellow flowers accentuated by the downy foliage.

In the taller growing bracket we have our more common yarrow which exists with pink or white blooms, and a number of forms of which A. millefolium “Cerise Queen” is one of the best; the ultimate height of all in this group being about 70 centimetres.

Achillea filtpendula is of greater proportions still, reaching a heaight of at least 125 m with flat, clustered heads of yellow flowers up to 13cm across.

For a very long lasting display and as a producer of blooms which are esteemed as cut flowers there is a A. ptarmica “The Pearl,” a double white form of intermediate height. Finally, it must be mentioned that ail the species and forms have the tendency to spread, some more so than others, but an annual overhaul should enable them to be all kept within desired bounds.