Achillea Rubra Red
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Description
Achillea millefolium 'Rubra' Red Yarrow 'Rubra'
Clusters of tiny, velvety flowers in rich shades of ruby-red and deep cerise, ageing to soft terracotta and vintage pink as the season turns — 'Rubra' is the achillea that brings warmth and depth to a planting scheme that lighter pastels simply cannot match.
This is the achillea you reach for when the border feels a bit too cool. Above a clump of feathery, silver-green aromatic foliage, 'Rubra' carries flat-topped flower plates in the deepest red the genus produces — and as the flowers age under the summer sun, they fade gradually through terracotta to dusty antique pink, giving the plant several visual lives in a single season. Drought-tolerant once established, virtually pest- and disease-free, and one of the easiest hardy perennials you can grow from seed. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised, and a long-time favourite for both fresh cutting and drying.
A note on growing
Surface-sow indoors from February to April. Achillea seeds need light to germinate — press the tiny seeds onto moist compost and don't bury them. Keep at 18–20°C; germination takes two to three weeks. Plant out into full sun after the last frost. Like most millefolium yarrows, 'Rubra' prefers lean, well-drained soil and will sulk in heavy, wet ground. It's genuinely happy in gravel gardens and tricky dry spots where richer borders defeat most plants. First year sees establishment; year two delivers the full display.
Where it shines
In cottage borders that need warming up, in gravel gardens where drought-tolerance matters, and in any cutting patch that wants reliable summer colour. The ageing colours make 'Rubra' particularly valuable for naturalistic planting schemes where soft transitions between tones matter more than uniform display. As a dried flower, the deeper reds hold their colour better than the older fading flowers, so harvest mixed stems for the most interesting dried arrangements.
Plant alongside
Pair with the gold of Achillea 'Cloth of Gold' for warm summer harmony, or balance the warm reds with cool blues — Larkspur, Cornflower, or Salvia are all excellent companions. For a richer, deeper border, combine with the cerise plates of Achillea 'Cerise Queen' and the white clouds of 'Ballerina'.
A note on safety: achillea foliage can occasionally cause mild skin irritation in sensitive people, particularly in strong sunlight. It's worth wearing gloves when cutting back large clumps.
Delivery
The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
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Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
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The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
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