The author of the text is dr hab. Regina Dębicz
Achillea bloodstones are quite diverse in terms of morphology. Those from mountainous regions are usually low (10-30 cm), while those from steppes and other dry places grow up to 60-150 cm, depending on the species.Inflorescences - flat umbels or corymbs - are 5 to 20 cm in diameter.They are made of tiny flower baskets of white, yellow, pink or red color.
The leaves are usually pinnate or lanceolate (like those of the yarrow sickleaf Achillea ptarmica or Kellerera Achillea x kellereri) and most often covered with hairs. They contain, like flowers, volatile oils and other chemical compounds that give the characteristic smell.
Yarrow - the most popular varieties
Yarrow Achillea millefolium grows in Poland in meadows, by roads, on the edge of forests, reaching a height of about 60 cm.It blooms from June to October and its flower baskets are gray-white or pinkish.
The decorative significance of varieties of this species is primarily determined by the color of the flowers in the baskets. 'Cerise Queen' has light pink to cherry flower baskets with a pale center, 'Red Beauty' purple (silvery leaves), 'Fanal' light red, 'Kelwayi' and 'Heidi' carmine red, 'Lilac Beauty' lilac pink, 'Smilling Quenn' intense pink-purple, 'Paprika' dark orange-red with a yellow center, and 'Sammetriese' intense red.
The cultivation requirements of the varieties, despite their refinement, are similar to the wild-growing species.Light, sandy and dry soil and a sunny position are suitable for them.
Varieties of garden yarrow
The same requirements apply to the varieties of garden yarrow Achillea hybrida with decorative features similar to those of the yarrow.Varieties such as 'Mooshine' with canary yellow flower baskets deserve attention. (blooms from June to the end of summer), 'Terracotta' with rusty-yellow-orange baskets and 'Summer Pastels' with red, pink, orange, rusty and apricot flowers.
The faded inflorescences of varieties of both species should be removed to prevent the spreading of seeds, from which less valuable plants grow.The varieties of yarrow and garden yarrow are perfect for sunny perennial beds, for creating garden groups and for establishments such as dry meadow or steppe. Of these, 'Paprika' and 'Sammetriese' are particularly suitable for cut flowers.
