Achillea millefolium Cassis - Yarrow

Achillea millefolium Cassis, also known as Yarrow, is a perennial plant appreciated for its dense and vigorous growth, heat and drought resistance, and vibrant cherry red flowers. It has a long and abundant flowering period, from summer to autumn. This plant is low-maintenance, highly ornamental, perfect for quickly covering slopes, dressing borders, or creating beautiful wild bouquets. Exuberant and undemanding, this garden favorite adds a nostalgic charm to unpretentious flower beds. Resistant and easy to cultivate in all regions.

Achillea millefolium Cassis is a perennial plant with stoloniferous growth habit, forming compact and upright tufts from spring onwards. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is one of the many cultivars of Achillea millefolium native to Europe and Asia Minor. The plant reaches a height of 65 cm (26in) when in bloom, with foliage measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in). It spreads over 50 cm (20in) or more. The inflorescence is a flattened corymb, 8 cm (3in) in diameter. The remarkably long flowering period extends from July to October. The flowers are actually heads, with tubular disc florets in the central part, while the peripheral florets are ligulate. These heads, appearing at the tops of stems, form flat or slightly rounded corymbs, intensely coloured in cherry red. They give rise to fruits called achenes. The stem is channelled and villous. The foliage is deciduous or semi-evergreen, aromatic and finely dissected into narrow strips. The leaves are bipinnately lobed, feathery, and dark green in color, with a matte finish. The plant spreads across the ground surface through stolons, allowing it to colonise large areas.

Achillea millefolium Cassis integrates well in rock gardens, on top of walls, as a border plant, or on slopes where it helps prevent erosion. This stoloniferous plant can be used as ground cover on large surfaces, eliminating the need for lawn mowing in low-traffic areas. It tolerates competition from tree roots, making it a good groundcover choice for woodland edges.  As it is easy to cultivate and withstands drought well, it is perfect for dressing the base of shrub roses or bordering a sunny flower bed.