Achillea 'Paprika'

Achillea 'Paprika': A Spicy Splash of Summer Colour

Bold, bright, and long blooming, Achillea 'Paprika' delivers a fiery burst of cherry-red flower clusters punctuated by golden-yellow centres. As the blooms mature, they soften to peach and pink tones, adding subtle variation and extended interest across the season. Its soft, ferny foliage and tough nature make it a standout in hot, dry conditions, bringing colour and movement to sunny borders, wildflower plantings, and pollinator gardens with ease and resilience.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a loose, spreading clump
• Flower Colour: Cherry red with golden-yellow centres; ages to soft peach and pink
• Flowering Period: Early to late summer; may rebloom with deadheading
• Foliage: Finely divided, fern-like green foliage; aromatic and soft in texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, or poor soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Paprika' brings vivid colour and rugged charm to sunny gardens, cottage borders, and naturalized meadow plantings. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and pollinator friendly, it’s a low-maintenance performer that thrives where other perennials may struggle. Use it en masse for a vibrant drift of summer colour or intersperse through mixed borders for a touch of wild energy. Its blooms are excellent for cutting, both fresh and dried, offering ornamental value inside and out.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Paprika' with Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' for a sunny, gold-toned contrast and season-spanning bloom. Add Nepeta 'Walker’s Low' to cool the palette with soft lavender-blue and aromatic foliage. Finish with Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' for a vibrant mix of warm hues and dynamic flower forms that echo the spice and style of 'Paprika'.

Care Instructions: Water during prolonged droughts, but avoid excess moisture. Deadhead to prolong the flowering season and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back to basal growth in fall or early spring. Divide every 2–3 years to refresh the clump and promote continued vigour.

History: 'Paprika' is a standout selection from the Galaxy hybrid series, bred from Achillea millefolium—a species native across Europe, Asia, and North America. Selected for its vibrant colour and improved garden performance, it has become a go-to for gardeners seeking bold impact, tough reliability, and strong pollinator support.

Final Thoughts: With sizzling red blooms and enduring toughness, Achillea 'Paprika' lights up the garden all summer long. Whether massed for impact or woven into a border with like-minded companions, it delivers vibrant energy and low-fuss beauty to even the sunniest, driest corners.