Achillea 'Cassis'
Achillea millefolium 'Cassis'
Photo by JohnCullenGardens (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
60cm | Max | 40cm |
40cm | Min | 20cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Achillea 'Cassis' Overview
Achillea 'Cassie' is a sun-loving perennial with fern-like, semi-evergreen, silver-green foliage and from spring, it produces masses of daisy-like, cherry-red flowers with white eyes. This spreading, hardy cultivar is a mid-height Achillea making it an ideal choice to include mixed flower borders or prairie style planting. A useful and attractive addition to your garden, bees and butterflies also love it! Also known as Yarrow 'Cassis', it prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soils, although it will tolerate partial shade. Heavy or waterlogged soils can result in powdery mildew and rust. Requires dividing every 2-3 years. Does not require annual pruning or feeding.
Common problems with Achillea 'Cassis'
The most common problem is a fungal disease, which can be prevented by not overwatering and allowing good air circulation. Stems are floppy and prone to rotting when they fall over.
How to harvest Achillea 'Cassis'
Flowers can be cut as required for floral arrangements. Collect seeds for essential oils after the flowers have faded and before the seed matures too much.
How to propagate Achillea 'Cassis'
Cuttings
Make basal cuttings of new shoots that are about 10cm tall in Spring. Plant in pots and protect in a warm position until they root, usually within 3 weeks. Plant out in the summer.
Division
Most popular method and will prolong the plant's life if done every other year. Divides easily and can be done in Spring or Autumn. Plant the divisions 30cm apart directly in their new positions.
Special features of Achillea 'Cassis'
Attractive flowers
Attracts butterflies
Drought resistant
Ground cover
Attracts useful insects
Attracts parasitic wasps.
Crop rotation
Light feeder. Improves soil fertility and the essential oil content of nearby plants, thereby making their neighbours more resistant to insect pests.
Repels harmful insects
Repels beetles, ants and flies.
Other uses of Achillea 'Cassis'
Yarrow was used to flavour beer in the Middle Ages before hops became fashionable. Use old stalks and cuttings to activate compost heaps.
Medicinal
Oil contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Edible
All parts are edible. Young leaves can be eaten raw and are also used for tea and as a preservative. Essential oil from the flowers used as flavouring in cold drinks.