Achillea millefolium Cassis

Achillea millefolium Cassis is a variety of yarrow that stands out for its long and abundant cherry red flowering that turns pink. It is a perennial plant appreciated for its dense and vigorous vegetation that covers the soil, as well as its resistance to heat and drought. As ornamental as it is easy to care for, it is perfect for quickly filling slopes, dressing borders, or creating beautiful country bouquets. Exuberant and undemanding, this garden regular brings a nostalgic charm to unpretentious flowerbeds. 

The Achillea millefolium Cassis is a beautiful descendant of the yarrow, a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family native to Europe and Asia Minor. It develops from spring onwards, a compact and upright tuft that spreads through stolons, allowing it to cover large areas. 'Cassis' will reach approximately 60 cm (24in) in height when in bloom, 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) for the foliage. It spreads over 50 cm (20in) and more. The remarkably long flowering period extends from June to September if the soil remains slightly moist during the hottest part of summer. It takes the form of flower heads called corymbs, flattened and rounded, approximately 7 cm (3in) in diameter. The flowers have yellow tubular florets in the centre and colourful ligulate florets on the edges. The flower head is initially bright red-pink and then fades to pink as it withers. The stem is channelled and villous, and the aromatic foliage is finely divided into feathery strips and has a dark grey-green, matte colour. 

This hardy and undemanding perennial will integrate well in rock gardens, on top of a wall, along flowerbeds and pathways, or on a slope where it will help prevent erosion. With its stolons, it can be used as a ground cover over large areas. It can withstand the root competition from trees and can be planted at the base of a sunny hedge. Easy to grow and water-frugal, it can be paired with lovely ornamental grasses such as Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum and Stipa tenuifolia, ornamental garlic Allium sphaerocephalon or even 'Caradonna' sage in a small countryside scene bursting with colour.

Yarrow is a medicinal herb that has healing properties. It can also stop bleeding, reduce muscle spasms, and strengthen the body. You can enjoy its young shoots in salads or omelettes.