Achillea Walter Funke

Description

Achillea ‘Walter Funke’ – yarrow

Botanical name: Achillea millefolium ‘Walter Funke’
Common names: Yarrow
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 50–60cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Finely divided, ferny, aromatic grey-green leaves; semi-evergreen
Flowers: Flat plates of rich orange-red flowers through summer, softening to salmon and gold shades as they age (June–September)
Scent: Aromatic foliage
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average; drought-tolerant; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 3–8
Exposure: Open, hot, dry, sunny
Native range: Garden form; the species is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic; the foliage may occasionally cause mild skin sensitivity in some people

Achillea ‘Walter Funke’ is a striking yarrow bearing flat plates of rich orange-red flowers over ferny grey-green foliage through summer. Drought-tolerant and a magnet for bees and butterflies.

GardenAdvice notes

A superb, richly coloured yarrow, ‘Walter Funke’ bears flat, plate-like heads of glowing orange-red flowers through summer, held above aromatic, ferny grey-green foliage, and fading attractively to softer salmon and gold shades as they age. Tough and drought-tolerant, thriving on poor, dry soils, it is one of the best plants for a hot, sunny border and a real magnet for bees and butterflies.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil in full sun — it thrives on poor, dry soils and dislikes rich, wet ground, which causes floppy growth and shortens its life. Ideal for sunny, gravel and prairie-style borders. Space about 45cm apart. Water only while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Deadhead to prolong flowering and keep it tidy, and cut back after flowering. Yarrows can be short-lived and tire quickly, so lift and divide every two years or so in spring to keep them vigorous. Support in rich soil, or better, grow lean for sturdier growth. Cut down old growth in late winter.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a sunny, well-drained spot. It can be short-lived and flop in rich or wet soil, and powdery mildew occasionally occurs. Growing it lean and dividing regularly keeps it at its best.

Uses in the garden

Superb in sunny, gravel, prairie-style and wildlife borders, where its flat, richly coloured flowerheads bring warm colour and a long season, and attract pollinators; excellent as a cut and dried flower.

Wildlife value

Yarrow is one of the very best plants for pollinators: the flat flowerheads are ideal landing platforms, hugely attractive to bees, butterflies, hoverflies and beneficial insects.

Toxicity & safety

Yarrow is generally regarded as non-toxic, though its foliage may occasionally cause mild skin sensitivity in some people.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Walter Funke’ gives you glowing orange-red flower plates that fade through lovely salmon and gold tones, and they’re irresistible to bees and butterflies. Grow it lean and dry in full sun — rich, damp soil just makes it flop and shortens its life — and divide it every couple of years, as yarrows tire quickly and are much better for regular splitting.

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