Achillea King Alfred

Description

Achillea ‘King Alfred’ – yarrow

Botanical name: Achillea ‘King Alfred’
Common names: Yarrow
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, low to medium
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 20–40cm tall × 30–45cm spread
Foliage: Finely divided, ferny, aromatic green foliage
Flowers: Flat-topped clusters of long-lasting flowers over a long summer season (June–September)
Scent: Aromatic foliage
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average fertility; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 3–8
Exposure: Open, sunny; drought-tolerant
Native range: Garden hybrid; the genus is native to Europe and Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; the foliage can irritate sensitive skin, and it may cause mild stomach upset if eaten by pets

Achillea ‘King Alfred’ is a sun-loving yarrow with aromatic, finely divided ferny foliage and flat clusters of long-lasting flowers through summer. Tough and drought-tolerant, it thrives in well-drained borders and is much loved by pollinators.

GardenAdvice notes

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the daisy family, yarrow is prized for its flat, plate-like flower heads held above ferny, aromatic foliage over a long summer season. Exceptionally tough and drought-tolerant, it thrives in poor, well-drained soils and hot, sunny positions, and is a magnet for pollinating insects.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in full sun in well-drained soil — it positively prefers lean, poor ground and resents rich, wet conditions, which make it flop. Ideal for sunny borders, gravel and wildlife plantings. Space about 30–40cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Very easy. Water only while establishing, then it is highly drought-tolerant. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more and to keep it tidy; cut back after flowering. It can spread and become congested, so lift and divide every two to three years in spring to keep it vigorous. Avoid feeding, which produces soft, floppy growth.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring or autumn — the quickest and easiest method.
• Basal cuttings: Take basal cuttings in spring.
• Seed: Can be raised from seed sown in spring, though named forms may vary.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Powdery mildew can appear in hot, dry spells and aphids occasionally cluster on stems. Good air circulation and avoiding overly rich soil keep plants healthy.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for sunny borders, gravel and prairie-style plantings, wildlife gardens and cutting borders; the flat flower heads are excellent for cutting and drying.

Wildlife value

The flat, open flower heads are superb landing platforms for bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other beneficial insects, making yarrow one of the best pollinator plants for a sunny garden.

Toxicity & safety

Yarrow has a low level of toxicity: handling the aromatic foliage can irritate sensitive skin, and eating it may cause mild stomach upset in pets. Wear gloves if your skin is prone to irritation.

GardenAdvice tip

Yarrow flowers far better on poor, dry soil than on rich ground — feed it or plant it somewhere damp and it will grow lush, flop and flower less. Cutting the first flush back as it fades usually brings a second round of flowers, and the more you pick for the vase, the more it produces.

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