Yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Paprika')

Overview

Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ is a stunning cultivar of common Yarrow, prized for its vibrant, long-lasting, dusty-red flower clusters. This herbaceous perennial brings reliable color and texture to the summer garden with minimal fuss. It thrives in conditions where many other garden plants struggle, making it a workhorse for hot, dry sites.

The value of this Yarrow lies in its adaptability and utility, offering highly aromatic, deeply-dissected, fern-like foliage that remains attractive throughout the season. Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ is excellent for wildlife, attracting beneficial insects while simultaneously standing up well in diverse soil compositions, provided drainage is adequate.

Despite generally lower maintenance, gardeners should note that the stems of Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ can flop if the soil is too rich or the climate too humid. Proper siting and occasional pruning are key to maintaining the tidy, upright habit of this popular garden staple.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-2 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: June to September
• Bloom Description: Dusty Red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ should be planted in full sun, typically during the spring or fall. Success relies heavily on providing well-drained soil; lean, dry to medium sandy loams are ideal, and the plant tolerates poor soils gracefully. Avoid rich, moist garden spots, as these conditions encourage weak growth and flopping stems, especially in humid climates.

Watering requirements are low once established. This Yarrow exhibits excellent drought tolerance due to its preference for dry conditions. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; enriching the soil often hinders performance rather than helping it.

To manage height and encourage consistent bloom, consider hard pruning. Cutting back stems in late spring before flowering reduces their final height. After the initial bloom flush, shear back the flowering stems to new lateral growth to encourage follow-up flowering and keep the planting tidy. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years to maintain optimal plant vitality, as Yarrow spreads readily by rhizomes.

Landscape Uses

The robust nature of Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ makes it perfectly suited for naturalized areas, meadows, and prairies where its spreading habit is an asset. Its drought tolerance also shines in seaside gardens or rock gardens where conditions are often harsh. Use this Yarrow in cottage gardens for its texture, or incorporate it into drifts for bold sweeps of dusty red color.

These plants are fantastic for the intermediate layer of a border, bridging the gap between shorter front-of-border plants and taller background specimens. Because the foliage has a spicy aroma and the blooms dry beautifully, consider planting clumps near paths or work areas where they can be easily harvested for fresh or dried arrangements.

When planting, site Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ where it is protected from the strongest winds if possible, to mitigate the risk of stem lodging, particularly in wetter springs. Planting alongside grasses that enjoy similar dry sun conditions creates a beautiful, textural pairing.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut
• Good Dried

Noteworthy Characteristics

The specific epithet millefolium translates to “thousand-leaved,” referencing the fine, highly dissected, fern-like foliage characteristic of this plant. The genus name honors Achilles, who reputedly used common yarrow medicinally to staunch soldiers’ wounds. The cultivar ‘Paprika’ specifically introduces the lovely dusty-red flower coloration to the typical white palette of the native species.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

The primary architectural issues with Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ involve stem lodging. Stems are inherently weak and can easily flatten under heavy wind or rain, especially if the plant is pampered with excessive moisture or rich soil. If left uncut, the plant can form a tangled mat by mid to late summer.

Disease concerns are usually minor but include occasional outbreaks of stem rot, powdery mildew, and rust. Ensure excellent air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues. Remember that this Yarrow spreads aggressively by rhizomes, so plan space accordingly or perform routine division to keep colonies contained.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Yarrow suitable for?

Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ tolerates a wide range, thriving robustly in USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, spreading out to a similar width of 1.5 to 2 feet.

What sun exposure does Yarrow need?

For the best performance, Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ requires full sun to maintain strong stems and prolific blooming.

When does Yarrow bloom?

This beautiful selection of Yarrow displays its dusty red flowers throughout the summer, typically beginning in June and continuing until September.

Conclusion

Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ remains a highly valued perennial for gardeners seeking low maintenance and high drought tolerance combined with rich color. Providing full sun and ensuring excellent drainage will maximize the beauty of its dusty-red blooms and aromatic foliage. Check your local climate compatibility and plan to plant this versatile Yarrow during the spring or fall to establish a resilient, colorful garden feature.

Companion Planting

When designing a low-water, full-sun border, pair Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’ with other sun-loving resilient plants. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) offers contrasting silvery-blue vertical spikes that complement the flat corymbs of the Yarrow. Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and various ornamental grasses also appreciate the same lean soil and sunny exposure, creating a meadow-style community where all members thrive.

Wildlife Benefits

The dense, flat flower heads of this Yarrow are highly beneficial for supporting local insect ecology. They provide excellent landing pads for various beneficial wasps, predatory flies, and smaller pollinators. While the species plant attracts many insects, the hybridized ‘Paprika’ cultivar is still recognized for its contribution to a diverse pollinator garden, offering reliable nectar sources from early summer onward.