Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’

Description

Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’ is a stunning perennial that produces flat flowerheads in shades of peach, salmon, coral, and pale pink. These beautiful blooms, which fade with age, are complemented by finely-cut greyish-green foliage. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’ thrives and provides vibrant colour to your garden from June to September.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’ is in spring, once the soil begins to warm. Planting in spring ensures that the roots establish before the growing season, allowing the plant to grow vigorously and produce its stunning flowers.
• Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn is another good time to plant Achillea. This gives the plant time to settle into the soil before winter and encourages stronger growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Achillea thrives in full sun or partial shade. Ideally, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and flower production. The plant will also tolerate light shade, but it may not bloom as profusely.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil for Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soil, so it is essential to choose a location with good drainage. Incorporating organic matter like compost will improve soil structure, allowing for better water flow and root growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Achillea. This will provide the plant with enough space to grow and spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’ will thrive in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
4. Watering After Planting: Water your Achillea well after planting to help establish the roots. Ensure the area drains well to prevent any excess moisture from sitting around the roots, which can lead to rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Achillea is relatively drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant period, reduce watering significantly. Achillea requires minimal moisture in the winter months. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give yourAchillea a healthy start to the growing season. This will support the plant’s initial growth and help produce vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain the plant’s vigour and ensure it continues flowering through the growing season. Achillea doesn’t require heavy feeding but can benefit from periodic nourishment.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy. Removing faded flowers will also help prolong the flowering period of Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’.
• Autumn Pruning: After the blooms have faded in autumn, cut the plant back to the ground level. This prepares your Achillea for winter dormancy and promotes healthy growth for the following season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Achillea in early spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark or compost work best for this.
• Winter: In colder months, mulch around the base of the plant to help protect the roots from freezing temperatures. This also prevents frost heaving, ensuring the plant survives through winter and is ready to grow again in spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’ has sturdy stems, but in particularly windy or exposed areas, consider staking the plant to prevent damage. Staking may be necessary if the plant grows taller than expected.

Final Tips for Growing Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’

Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’ is a hardy and beautiful perennial that adds vibrant colour to gardens, borders, and containers. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil, and following this care routine, your Achillea millefolium ‘Salmon Beauty’ will reward you with stunning blooms from June through September. Its vibrant peach, salmon, and coral flowers are sure to attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a perfect addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.