If you’re looking for a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that not only adds beauty to your garden but also supports local wildlife, look no further than Achillea (commonly known as yarrow). With its flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers, Achillea is a nectar-rich powerhouse, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the summer.
1. Why Pollinators Love Achillea
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Easily Accessible Nectar & Pollen – The open, flat flower heads provide a perfect landing platform for pollinators, making it easy for bees and butterflies to feed.
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Long Blooming Season – Achillea flowers from early summer to autumn, ensuring a continuous food source for pollinators when other flowers fade.
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Highly Attractive to Bees & Butterflies – Native and honeybees, hoverflies, and butterflies like painted ladies and skippers frequently visit Achillea for its abundant nectar.
2. Best Achillea Varieties for Pollinators
Some of the best Achillea cultivars for attracting pollinators include:
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Achillea millefolium ‘Cerise Queen’ – Deep pink flowers that stand out in any border.
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Achillea ‘Moonshine’ – A classic with bright yellow blooms that contrast beautifully with its silvery foliage.
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Achillea ‘Terracotta’ – Features warm orange tones that fade to soft peach.
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Achillea millefolium ‘Summer Pastels’ – A mix of pink, lilac, and soft yellow shades, great for diversity in a pollinator-friendly garden.
3. Where & How to Grow Achillea for Maximum Pollinator Benefit
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Plant in Full Sun – Achillea thrives in open, sunny spots, where pollinators are most active.
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Well-Drained Soil – Prefers sandy or loamy soil but tolerates poor soil conditions well.
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Plant in Groups – Mass planting Achillea increases visibility to pollinators and creates a reliable nectar source in one area.
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Pair with Other Pollinator-Friendly Plants – Combine with Echinacea, Verbena bonariensis, Nepeta, and Lavender to create a rich, biodiverse habitat.
4. Additional Benefits of Growing Achillea
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Drought Tolerant – Perfect for water-wise gardens or areas with dry summers.
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Low Maintenance – Requires little care beyond occasional deadheading to encourage repeat blooms.
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Supports Other Beneficial Insects – Ladybirds, hoverflies, and lacewings feed on aphids, helping with natural pest control in the garden.
Conclusion
Achillea isn’t just a beautiful, long-flowering perennial—it’s a vital plant for supporting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Whether you’re starting a wildlife-friendly garden or simply want to add colour and movement to your borders, Achillea is a must-have for any pollinator-conscious gardener!
For more pollinator-friendly planting ideas, visit our blog at Peter’s Plants.
