Achillea Rubra Red

Deep ruby-red plates over feathery silver-green foliage, and the darkest red the yarrows offer from seed. It is the one to reach for when a border has gone too cool and pale and needs some warmth in it.

Like most of the common yarrows it does not hold its opening colour. The red ages under summer sun through terracotta to a dusty antique pink, so by August a clump carries the whole range at once. It suits naturalistic planting where soft transitions matter more than a uniform block, and for drying it is worth cutting a mix of ages. The younger, darker stems keep their colour best once dried.

It wants lean, well-drained ground in full sun and will sulk in heavy wet soil, which is the usual reason people fail with it. In a gravel garden or a dry awkward corner it is close to indestructible. Year one is establishment, year two is the display.

Yarrow foliage can irritate sensitive skin, more so in strong sunlight, so wear gloves when cutting back a large clump.