Achillea millefolium Hella Glashoff

The Achillea millefolium 'Hella Glashoff', also known as Achillea lanulosa 'Hella Glashoff', is a perennial hybrid plant that spreads by stolons (creeping stems that form new plants). It has a bushy habit. Vigorous and very floriferous, the Achillea blooms between June and July. It has a beautiful inflorescence of lemon yellow colour that fades as the flowering progresses. This change in colour gives the plant a unique effect. The flowers are gathered in large umbels that take the form of a flat corymb. These umbels are held on hairy stems. The flowers give rise to fruits called achenes.

The semi-evergreen grey-green foliage provides a beautiful contrast with the yellow flowers. It is light foliage, cut into strips and quite dense. At maturity, the plant reaches a height of 70 cm (28in). It thrives in rock gardens and is commonly found in border plantings. Its flowers also make beautiful fresh or dried bouquets.

Achillea 'Hella Glashoff' is a melliferous plant, meaning it contains substances collected by pollinating insects or some birds that transform into honey. It also attracts butterflies. It pairs well with Hemerocallis, Kniphofias, Nepetas, and Scabiosas. It was bred by Ernst Pagels. The healing power of this yarrow was allegedly discovered by Achilles during the Trojan War to heal a wound following Venus' advice. The plant is hemostatic (stops bleeding), has healing leaves, and flowers that have a febrifugal effect (combat fever).