Achillea Tutti Frutti Series

Four Delicious Achillea Flavors For Your Garden

As Little Richard would say—“A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-wop-bam-boom!” The achillea Tutti Frutti series just might make you exclaim this familiar expression associated with his song of the same name!

“Tutti Frutti” is Italian for “all fruits”, and serves as inspiration as all the varieties have fruits in their names. They were the first series of Achillea marketed with four distinct colors. Moreover, they were bred to be compact, strong, mounded plants, with uniform flowering and long flowering periods.

The Tutti Frutti Series comes to Rozanne and Friends® from Sahin breeding (now part of Takii).

The Tutti Frutti Series

‘Apricot Delight’ (USPP#18738) flowers are chameleon-like! They change through a range of pink shades from nearly red to pale apricot. Color intensity is best in full sun. Established (3^rd year) height is 21 to 22 inches (53 to 56 cm); spread 22 inches (56 cm).

‘Pink Grapefruit’ (USPP#20741) has dark rose flowers that gradually fade to a lighter rose color. Plants are shorter and sturdier than Achillea ‘Heidi. Established (3^rd year) height is 29 inches (74 cm); spread 28 inches (71 cm).

‘Pomegranate’ (USPP#20763) features unique red-purple flowers, unlike any other Achillea variety. Plants hold together well and have large flower heads. Established (3^rd year) height is 29 inches (74 cm); spread 28 inches (71 cm).

‘Wonderful Wampee’ (USPP#18760) has clear pink flowers like ‘Appleblossom’ but was selected for its improved compact, sturdy plant habit. features unique red-purple flowers, unlike any other Achillea variety. Plants hold together well and have large flower heads. Established (3^rd year) height is 29 inches (74 cm); spread 28 inches (71 cm). In case you’re wondering, the Wampee is a tree with grapelike fruits. It’s tropical in nature so most are only found in China or Southeast Asia.

Like Centaurea, this genus has some Greek folklore. Chiron the Centaur taught the Greek hero Achilles the healing properties of plants. Subsequently, 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. Allow plants to emerge and flower with naturally occurring spring temperatures.
• Alternatively, 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, but attracts butterflies and bees. 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.
• 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.

Want to learn more? Read further information on the Rozanne and Friends website.