Achillea ‘Safran’

Description

Achillea ‘Safran’

Achillea ‘Safran’ is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial known for its clusters of rich saffron-orange flowers that bloom from early summer to late autumn. It’s a perfect choice for adding long-lasting colour to borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time:

• Spring: Plant Achillea ‘Safran’ in spring when the soil is starting to warm up. This gives the plant plenty of time to establish strong roots before the growing season.
• Autumn: Planting in autumn is also an option, as it allows the plant to settle in before the colder months, ensuring a robust display the following year.

Site Selection:

• Sunlight: Achillea ‘Safran’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce its best blooms.
• Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including poor, sandy, or rocky soils. Adding compost to the planting area will enhance soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions:

• Preparing the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep to accommodate Achillea ‘Safran’.
• Soil Preparation: Mix the removed soil with compost or organic matter to improve soil structure.
• Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the crown level with the soil surface. Backfill with the amended soil, firming it gently around the roots.
• Watering: Water Achillea ‘Safran’ thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots.

Watering:

• Growing Season: Once established, Achillea ‘Safran’ is drought-tolerant, needing minimal watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, occasional watering will keep the plant looking its best.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy but ensure the soil does not dry out completely.

Feeding:

• Spring: Achillea ‘Safran’ generally requires little feeding. However, a light application of a balanced fertiliser in early spring can boost growth and flowering.
• Mid-Summer: If the soil is particularly poor, a second light feeding can be applied after the first bloom cycle.

Pruning:

• After Flowering: Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Late Autumn: Cut back the plant to ground level after the final flowering period to prepare it for the winter.

Mulching:

• Spring: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Winter: Mulching in winter helps protect the plant’s roots during colder periods.

Supporting the Plant:

• Staking: Although Achillea ‘Safran’ has sturdy stems, in windy or exposed areas, staking may be necessary to prevent the plant from flopping.

Winter Care:

• Protection: In areas with harsh winters, consider adding extra mulch or using a garden fleece to protect Achillea ‘Safran’ from frost damage.

Final Tips: Achillea ‘Safran’ is a low-maintenance plant that attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. With its drought tolerance and vibrant blooms, Achillea ‘Safran’ will bring lasting colour to your garden for many seasons to come.

 

RHS Details

See more Achillea from Proctors