We fell in love with Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ the first time we spotted it at Chelsea. Those vibrant magenta blooms immediately caught our attention, and we’ve been growing them ever since. This compact yarrow reaches about 70 cm in both height and spread, making it a perfect addition to so many different garden designs. We especially love how it flowers from early summer right through to autumn, attracting all manner of pollinators to our gardens.

Now, we’ll be completely honest. Yarrow does have a bit of a reputation for being somewhat high maintenance. However, once established, ‘Pomegranate’ proves easy-going and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

‘Pomegranate’ is part of the splendid Tutti Frutti series, which burst onto the scene in 2007. It sits beautifully alongside other colourful varieties like apricot and pink cultivars. We also appreciate that its semi-evergreen foliage stays attractive through the season, offering structure even when it’s not in flower.

Whether you’re designing a pollinator-friendly garden, creating a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant planting scheme, or adding a splash of vivid colour to your borders, we hope this guide inspires you to grow Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ as much as we do.

Understanding Our Beloved Achillea ‘Pomegranate’

We’ve always been fascinated by the rich history behind plants, and Achillea millefolium ‘Pomegranate’ has such a wonderful story. The genus name itself takes us back to ancient Greece; Achilles reportedly used this plant to treat his soldiers’ wounds. And the species name ‘millefolium’ translates beautifully to “thousand-leaved,” describing its delicate, fern-like foliage.

A Happy Garden Accident

What many gardeners don’t realise is that ‘Pomegranate’ is a relatively new addition to the yarrow family. It was discovered by chance in 2003 as a natural cultivar among ‘Summer Pastels’. Unlike many plants bred through years of programmes, this vibrant beauty appeared spontaneously - a bit of garden magic! Achillea millefolium itself grows wild across the Northern Hemisphere. We often spot the white wildflower version in meadows around Lincolnshire.

The Tutti Frutti Connection

The Tutti Frutti series truly revolutionised yarrows when it was introduced by Blooms of Bressingham in 2007. We remember the excitement at Chelsea that year! These plants stand out because they:

• Maintain a wonderfully compact, uniform growth habit
• Keep their flower colours bright without fading
• Bloom for ages
• Perform well in the garden with minimal fuss

‘Pomegranate’ shares space in this collection with other companions like ‘Apricot Delight’, ‘Pink Grapefruit’, and ‘Pineapple Mango’. All hold their colour beautifully compared to older varieties.

 

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Though Achillea is primarily grown for its looks and appeal to pollinators, we’re intrigued by its edible side. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked - we’ve occasionally added a few to salads for a bitter twist. Historically, yarrow was brewed as herbal tea, used as a hop substitute, or even added to soft drinks.

We should note that moderation is key if consuming yarrow, due to its strong compounds. But today, most of us grow it simply for its stunning presence in the garden. And with ‘Pomegranate’s striking flowers, who could blame us?

Getting the Growing Conditions Just Right

Creating the perfect home for Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ isn’t difficult, but a few details make all the difference.

Sunshine is Essential

These yarrows adore sunshine! For the best display, ensure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. We’ve found that plants kept in open, sunny spots stay sturdy and bloom better than those grown in shade.

Soil Preferences

We love how adaptable Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ is to soil types. It’s happy in chalk, loam, or sandy conditions, and tolerates a range of pH levels. The key requirement is good drainage - these plants won’t tolerate sitting in water. We learned this the hard way when planting in boggier areas! Moderate fertility is best, as overly rich soil encourages floppy growth.

Watering Wisdom

Once established, Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ needs very little water, coping well with dry spells. We water newly planted specimens regularly until established, then just give an occasional soak during droughts. In pots, about 0.8 cups every 9 days works well. Avoid waterlogging - poor drainage is the main enemy.

Hardy in Most Climates

We’re always impressed by how adaptable Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ is. It tolerates cold winters down to -15°C and handles heat and humidity during the growing season. Each autumn, our plants die back to the ground and return with fresh growth in spring.

Caring For Your Achillea ‘Pomegranate’

Keeping Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ at its best doesn’t take much effort. We’ve found that a little maintenance results in years of garden enjoyment.

Pruning and Deadheading

We’re firm believers in deadheading - it really extends the flowering season! We remove faded flower heads by cutting back to a lateral bud, encouraging side shoots and more blooms. We also cut stems back by half to prevent flopping. Each winter, we leave foliage in place for wildlife shelter, cutting back hard in early spring.

Those Pesky Pests

We’ve dealt with aphids on Achillea ‘Pomegranate’, controlling them by removing affected parts, using organic sprays, or encouraging ladybirds. Spider mites can appear in dry spells; we’ve found misting helps deter them. Sometimes pruning out infested areas is necessary.

Division for Healthy Plants

We divide Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ every 2–3 years to maintain vigour and prevent the centre from dying out. We do this in spring, lifting the clump, pulling smaller pieces by hand or using two garden forks for tough roots, then replanting immediately. This not only rejuvenates plants but also provides extras to share.

Achillea Millefolium ‘Pomegranate’: A Versatile Garden Star

We’ve grown Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ in many garden settings, and it never fails to impress! From cottage borders to modern landscapes, its magenta blooms and feathery foliage add visual interest.

Perfect Planting Partners

It pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant plants like lavender, echinacea, rosemary, sage, and sedum. One lesson: avoid planting alongside moisture-loving plants like hostas, as their needs clash.

Versatile Garden Uses

We love how versatile ‘Pomegranate’ is, whether in borders, containers, or meadow-style plantings. Its compact height fits perfectly mid-border. We’ve also had success growing it in pots alongside lavender.

A Haven for Wildlife

The flat flower heads are magnets for beneficial insects. On sunny days, we’re delighted by bees, butterflies, ladybirds, and hoverflies. We leave seedheads standing until early spring to provide winter food for birds.

Creating Impact in Garden Designs

For bold impact, we plant in groups of three or five rather than singles. Its semi-evergreen foliage adds winter interest. This adaptable yarrow works in cottage gardens, seaside plots, rock gardens, and prairie-style beds. We also enjoy cutting it for fresh and dried arrangements.

Final Thoughts on Growing Achillea Millefolium ‘Pomegranate’

After many years growing Achillea ‘Pomegranate’, we can wholeheartedly say it’s one of our most reliable performers. Its blooms brighten our gardens each summer, and we’ve found it surprisingly forgiving once established.

We love its versatility - thriving in borders, among grasses, or in containers. Its semi-evergreen foliage adds winter interest. And every time we see it, we’re reminded of its rich history. We grow it for beauty and as pollinators now, not medicine, but the connection to the past is lovely.

If you’re considering adding ‘Pomegranate’ to your garden, we’d encourage you - this low-care plant gives so much back. Whether you’re new or experienced, it rewards with colour year after year. And when the bees and butterflies arrive, well, that’s just the icing on the cake!

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Achillea Millefolium Pomegranate.

How tall does  'Pomegranate' grow?

Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate' typically grows to a height of approximately 70 cm, making it a compact and manageable perennial for various garden designs.

Is Achillea 'Pomegranate' drought-tolerant?

Yes, once established, Achillea 'Pomegranate' demonstrates excellent drought tolerance. It requires only occasional watering during extended dry periods, making it an ideal choice for low-water landscapes.

How often should I divide my Achillea 'Pomegranate' plants?

It's recommended to divide Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate' every 2-3 years, preferably in spring when new growth appears. This helps maintain plant vigour and prevents the centre from dying out.

What type of soil does Achillea 'Pomegranate' prefer?

Achillea 'Pomegranate' is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of pH levels from acidic to alkaline.

Does Achillea 'Pomegranate' attract pollinators?

Yes, Achillea 'Pomegranate' is excellent for attracting pollinators. Its flattened flower heads serve as perfect landing pads for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

When does Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ start flowering?

Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ typically begins its flowering period in late spring, continuing right through summer and well into autumn, providing months of vibrant colour and long-lasting blooms.

Is Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ a good choice for sunny borders?

Yes, Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ thrives in sunny borders where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Its bright flower clusters and green foliage make it a standout feature in sun-drenched spots.

Can Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ handle severe winters?

Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ is hardy down to around -15°C, making it resilient through most UK winters. In areas prone to severe winters, mulching around the base can offer extra protection during the coldest months.

Is Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ suitable for wildlife gardens?

Absolutely. Its flower clusters are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ an excellent addition to wildlife gardens aiming to support pollinators.

How does the foliage of Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ look outside the flowering period?

Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ has finely textured green foliage that remains semi-evergreen in mild climates, offering structure and soft texture in borders even when the plant isn’t in bloom.

Will Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ bloom into late summer?

Yes, one of the plant’s best features is its extended flowering period, continuing well into late summer and sometimes into early autumn with regular deadheading.

How large are the flower clusters on Achillea ‘Pomegranate’?

The flower clusters on Achillea ‘Pomegranate’ are broad, flattened umbels composed of many small, tightly packed flowers. These clusters can span up to 10–12 cm across, creating a bold display above the green foliage.