When the garden is literally baking under the summer sun, many plants begin to fade. Achillea plants, however, come into their own with such heat.

As the holder of the National Collection of Achillea, we have spent years growing and trialling these incredible plants, and time and again they prove themselves to be among the toughest, longest-flowering perennials you can grow.

Not only do they thrive in hot, dry conditions, but they're also magnets for pollinators, make fantastic cut flowers and bring months of colour to borders and containers alike.

Here are five of my favourite Achillea varieties that will keep your garden looking its best throughout the hottest months of the year:

1. Achillea ptarmica 'Peter Cottontail'

If you're looking for something a little different, 'Peter Cottontail' is a real gem. This well-behaved form of Achillea ptarmica develops into an almost shrub-like mound, creating a beautiful architectural presence in the garden.

From a distance, its masses of fluffy white flowers could easily be mistaken for the ever-popular Gypsophila - but it's considerably easier to grow and much more resilient. Florists love it too, as it makes an outstanding cut flower.

One of its best features is that although the blooms are double and semi-double, the pollen remains accessible around the outside of each flower, allowing bees and other pollinators to enjoy them just as much as we do.

2. Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate'

For bold, vibrant colour, it's hard to beat Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate'. This super floriferous variety produces rich pomegranate-red flower heads in abundance throughout summer.

Unlike many red-flowering plants, the blooms hold their colour exceptionally well, even during prolonged spells of hot sunshine, making it a reliable performer when many other plants begin to fade.

3. Achillea millefolium 'New Vintage' Series

The New Vintage collection offers something truly special. Available in Violet, Red, White and Rose, these compact varieties begin flowering in striking, almost neon shades before gradually softening into beautifully muted vintage tones as they age.

The changing colour palette gives borders a constantly evolving display, while the sturdy stems make them excellent cut flowers for both fresh and dried arrangements.

4. Achillea 'Walter Funcke'

A true classic that never disappoints, Achillea 'Walter Funcke' combines elegant silver-grey foliage with warm brick-red and burnt orange flowers that seem to glow in the summer sunshine.

Reaching around 80cm in height, it's perfect for the middle of a sunny border, where its rich colouring pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials.

5. Achillea millefolium 'Sunny Seduction'

And last but certainly not least, if you're gardening in a smaller space, the 'Sunny Seduction' range is well worth a look. Alongside favourites such as 'Strawberry Seduction' and 'Saucy Seduction', these compact varieties reach around 50cm tall, making them ideal for smaller borders, pots and containers.

They're particularly effective in window boxes and patio displays, where their vibrant flowers create a dramatic splash of colour throughout the summer while still attracting plenty of pollinators.

Why Achillea Deserves a Place in Every Summer Garden

Achillea is one of the hardest-working perennials you can grow. It thrives in full sun, copes brilliantly with dry conditions, flowers for months and provides valuable nectar for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Whether you're creating a wildlife-friendly border, filling containers on a sunny patio or looking for reliable cut flowers, there's an Achillea to suit every garden. These five varieties are among my personal favourites because they combine beauty, resilience and exceptional garden performance, even when the temperatures soar.

Browse our extensive Achillea collection here.

Achillea FAQ's

In which conditions do Achillea really thrive?
Think sunshine and sharp drainage. Achillea is happiest baking in full sun with soil that doesn’t stay soggy. If you’ve got a hot, exposed border where other plants sulk, Achillea plants will do far better.

Do Achillea plants need much water?
Not once they’ve settled in. Newly planted Achillea appreciate regular watering while roots establish, but after that they’re tough cookies. Let rain do most of the work and only water during long dry spells. Sitting in wet soil is their least favourite thing.

How do I keep Achillea flowering for longer?
Snip off the faded flower heads. Regular deadheading keeps plants tidy and nudges them to keep producing new blooms. Give them full sun, don’t overfeed, and many varieties will flower for months.

Are Achillea flowers good for pollinators?
Absolutely. Those flat-topped clusters are like landing pads for bees, butterflies, and lots of helpful insects. Even some semi-double forms still offer accessible pollen, so they’re a win for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Can I grow Achillea in pots and containers?
Yes, pick compact varieties and use a free-draining compost mix. Give them a sunny spot on the patio, balcony, or in a window box and don’t overwater. Smaller series are perfect for containers where space is tight.

How tall do Achillea plants get?
It depends on the variety. Compact types top out at around 50 cm, while taller selections can reach 80 cm or a bit more. That range makes them handy for everything from pots to the middle of a sunny border.

Do they need staking?
Usually not; Achillea tends to be sturdy. In very windy spots or rich soil, taller kinds can lean after heavy rain. A subtle ring or a few canes and twine will keep the display neat without shouting about it.

When’s the best time to plant Achillea plants?
Aim for spring or early autumn. The soil’s warm, the weather’s kinder, and roots can get established before heatwaves or winter chills arrive. That head start sets them up for a strong flowering season.

What should I do after they finish blooming?
Shear back the spent stems to neaten up and you’ll often get a bonus flush of flowers. In late autumn or early spring, trim away old growth to make room for fresh shoots and a clean start.

Why are Achillea plants such a good choice for the UK summer?
They can tolerate heat, are low maintenance yet long flowering, and the pollinators love them. Plus, they make excellent cut flowers, so they earn their keep in both the border and the vase.