Achillea 'Apple Blossom' is a charming yarrow cultivar known for its soft, dusty-pink flower heads that fade to a paler blush as they mature. The blooms are composed of dense, flat-topped clusters (corymbs) that provide a gentle, romantic aesthetic in the summer garden. Its finely divided, feathery foliage is gray-green and aromatic, offering texture and color contrast even when not in bloom.
-
Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)
-
Spread: 45 cm (18 inches)
-
Bloom Time: Late spring to late summer (May–August)
-
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
-
Light: Full sun
-
Drought Tolerance: High, once established
Wildlife and Insect Attributes
Achillea 'Apple Blossom' is particularly valuable for its ecological contributions:
-
Pollinators:
-
Highly attractive to bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, which feed on its nectar-rich flowers.
-
Its flat flower heads offer easy landing pads for short-tongued pollinators.
-
-
Beneficial Insects:
-
Supports populations of ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps—important predators of aphids and other garden pests.
-
The flowers and nearby habitat create ideal conditions for hoverflies, which are both pollinators and pest controllers.
-
-
Birds:
-
While the plant is not a major food source, the seed heads may attract finches and other seed-eating birds in autumn if left uncut.
-
-
Habitat Support:
-
Provides cover and resting spots for small insects and arthropods.
-
The aromatic foliage can deter some browsing herbivores, allowing insect populations to flourish.
-