Achillea New Vintage™ Violet

Achillea New Vintage™ Violet: Violet Yarrow That Breaks the Rules

Violet-red clusters held tight and tidy, like somebody finally organized the wine rack. This yarrow is moody, polished and keeps reblooming like it has a standing reservation. CORK IT AND KEEP IT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium 'Balvinviolet'
• Common Name: Yarrow
• Series: New Vintage™, sold by Proven Winners®
• Height: 66–71 cm (26–28 in)
• Spread: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
• Flowers: Violet-red, in tightly held, flat-topped clusters
• Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer (June to August), with rebloom
• Foliage: Green, finely divided and fragrant
• Features: Reblooming, salt tolerant, good for cut and dried flowers
• Plant Patent: USPP 25,750

Where to Plant: Plant it in a sunny border, a cottage or pollinator garden, or a container. It's tough enough for a hot strip by the driveway where salt and dry soil defeat fussier plants.

Companion Plants: Euphorbia myrsinites makes a low front edge and flowers yellow in May and June. Helenium autumnale rises behind the yarrow to 150 cm, and its yellow flowers are a bright contrast to violet from July into October. Salvia Perpetual Purple™ sits in the middle with purple spikes from early summer to early fall. Give the planting full sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Rich soil and extra fertilizer make yarrow floppy, so keep things lean. Water regularly during the first season, then only in extended dry weather. Trim spent flower stems to encourage more blooms. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every few years if the clump spreads or the centre opens up.

History: Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium, is a wildflower of meadows and roadsides across much of the Northern Hemisphere, and since the wild plant is usually white, breeders have spent decades coaxing out richer colours. The New Vintage™ series brings those colours to a compact, sturdy plant.

Final Thoughts: Deer walk past, salt doesn't scare it and the bees treat it like happy hour. Plant three. THE SOMMELIER RECOMMENDS A SECOND BOTTLE.