Achillea millefolium Peachy Seduction

The Achillea millefolium 'Peachy Seduction' is a variety of yarrow recently obtained in Holland. Similar to its Seduction series sisters, it is particularly appreciated for its compact habit and abundant flowers in a deep peachy pink colour, fading to a paler shade. The flowering lasts throughout the summer. The foliage is light, feathery, aromatic, and can be deciduous or semi-evergreen. This wildflower will climb without hesitation on difficult slopes and colonize the more untamed areas of the garden. Both exuberant and undemanding, this favourite of cottage gardens brings a nostalgic charm to unpretentious flowerbeds in all regions.

Yarrow is a perennial stoloniferous plant native to Europe and Asia Minor. It develops a compact and upright clump from spring. It belongs to the asteraceae family. 'Peachy Seduction reaches a height of 60-70 cm when in bloom, with foliage measuring 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in). It spreads over 50 cm (20in) or more. The inflorescence is a slightly domed flat corymb, measuring 7 cm (3in) in diameter. The remarkably long flowering period extends from June to October. The flowers are actually heads, with yellow tubular florets in the central disc, while the outer florets are ligulate in an intense salmon pink colour that gradually fades to a softer, almost peachy cream shade. The overall effect is a range of different shades of salmon pink and cream. The stem is channelled and villous, and the aromatic foliage is finely dissected into feathery, dark grey-green, matte strips. 'Peachy Seduction' yarrow spreads on the surface of the soil through stolons, allowing it to colonize large areas.

This hardy and undemanding perennial will fit well in a rock garden, on top of a wall, as a border, or on a slope where it can help prevent erosion. With its stolons, it can be used as a ground cover over large areas, eliminating the need for mowing a lawn and replacing it in less trafficked areas. It can tolerate competition from tree roots. Since it is easy to grow and drought tolerant, it is perfect for planting under shrub roses or bordering a sunny flowerbed.

As a medicinal perennial, yarrow has healing, hemostatic, antispasmodic, and tonic properties. Its young shoots can be used in omelettes or salads.