Seduced by color and a strong garden presence
Today’s blog features four varieties of stately Yarrow with upright-columnar habit and excellent production flowering uniformity. Say hello to the Achillea Seduction Series! As the “Seduction” series name suggests, prepared to be seduced by their unique color palette and strong garden presence. They were bred to be sturdier plants, with less-open habit, and to flower longer with better color fade resistance than current varieties. Subsequently, they represent a definite improvement upon the variety ‘Summer Pastels’, which has a weak habit and rapidly-fading flowers.
The Seduction Series comes to Rozanne® and Friends from Sahin breeding (now part of Takii).
Achillea Seduction Series
‘Peachy Seduction’ (USPP#22262, EU PBR) features glowing, peach-pink flowers that resist fading. Established (3rd year) height is 25-30 inches (60-70 cm); spread 23 inches (58 cm).
‘Saucy Seduction’ (USPP#20782) has deep rose flowers atop its sturdy flower stems. Established (3rd year) height is 25-30 inches (60-75 cm); spread 26 inches (66 cm).
‘Strawberry Seduction’ (USPP#18401) has yellow-centered red flowers. It is shorter and sturdier than Achillea ‘Paprika’. Established (3rd year) height is 30 inches (75 cm); spread 32 inches (81 cm).
‘Sunny Seduction’ (USPP#20808) flowers slightly ahead of the others in this series. It provides a spectacular display of buttery-yellow flowers. Forms a tighter flower canopy than Achillea ‘Moonshine’. Established (3rd year) height is 25-30 inches (60-75 cm); spread 26 inches (66 cm).
Like Centaurea, this genus has some Greek folklore. Chiron the Centaur taught the Greek hero Achilles the healing properties of plants. Afterwards, Achilles used poultices from his namesake, Achillea, to heal wounds of his soldiers.
For growers
- Typically plant 1 liner per 6 to 8-inch (1 gallon, 4 liters) pots
- Vernalization is beneficial. Overwinter outdoors or inside cold greenhouses. Also, allow plants to emerge and flower with naturally occurring spring temperatures.
- However, you may plant vernalized liners in March and April.
- Water thoroughly but allow to dry slightly between irrigations.
- Standard Media pH: 5.5 to 6.5; standard media EC: 1.5 to 3.0 mmhos/cm (saturated paste).
- Watch for aphids, spider mites, botrytis.
- Like most plants with gray-green foliage, do not over water.
- See our Technical Guide for more information.
In the garden
- For middle or back garden borders. Also, great in larger containers.
- Resistant to deer. Butterfly and bee attracter. Long bloom period, cut/dried flowers, foliage is fragrant.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8. AHS Heat Zone: 9 to 1.
- Grow in full sun.
- However, prefers well-drained garden soils.
- Tolerant of heat and humidity.
- Remove spent flowers for a tidier appearance. Blooms mid-June through July. Shear plants after initial flowering for a later rebloom flush.
- Useful for cut and dried flowers, attracts butterflies, and is deer resistant.
- Partners well in the garden with Lavender, Catmint, Dianthus, Globe Thistle, Delphinium, Shasta Daisy and Ornamental Grasses.