Achillea millefolium is a Hardy Perennial.

'Cerise Queen' is a cultivated variety of the native Yarrow. It retains all the hardiness of the wildflower but puts more energy into colourful blooms. The fern-like foliage is semi-evergreen in mild winters, providing useful ground cover when other perennials have died back.

The "Flat" Factor: Garden designers love Yarrow because its horizontal, plate-like flowers contrast perfectly with "spiky" plants like Salvia, Lupin, or Foxgloves.

Yarrow is very easy to grow from seed, but light is key.

Germination:
Sow indoors from February to April, or surface sow outdoors in autumn. Sow onto moist compost and do not cover (the seeds need light to germinate). Keep warm (15-20°C). Germination takes 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
Plant out after the last frost. It needs full sun to maintain its bright colour. It thrives in well-drained, "lean" soil. Avoid adding manure or rich compost, as too much nitrogen makes the stems grow tall and floppy.

Care While Growing:
Division: This is a vigorous plant. To keep it healthy, dig up the clump every 3 years in spring and divide it into smaller pieces. This rejuvenates the plant and gives you free plants for the rest of the garden.

The cherry-pink of 'Cerise Queen' pairs beautifully with crisp whites and cool blues:

• 🌼 Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum): The "Strawberries & Cream" Look. The pure white, yellow-eyed daisies next to the pink Yarrow create a fresh, cheerful summer display.
• 💙 Veronica (Speedwell): The Spike Contrast. The vertical blue spikes of Veronica slice through the flat pink plates of the Yarrow, adding architectural interest to the border.

Sow indoors Spring/Autumn. Flowers June to September.