Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ dazzles the garden with its rich, wine-red flower clusters perched atop feathery, silver-green foliage. This standout cultivar of common yarrow offers bold color and finely cut leaves that give perennial borders and containers a refined texture. With a tidy, mounded habit and long-lasting blooms, Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ is a must-have for gardeners seeking year-after-year impact.
Easy to grow and remarkably durable, this cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Pollinator-friendly and drought tolerant once established, it delivers reliable performance with minimal upkeep. Whether you’re designing a cottage-style border or a contemporary bed, ‘Summerwine’ offers a vivid focal point and seasonal interest.
Why Choose Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’?
Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ stands out for its intense, dark red blooms, which deepen as the season progresses. Unlike paler yarrows, the saturated hue of ‘Summerwine’ creates striking contrast against lighter perennials and ornamental grasses. Its mounded growth habit, typically 45 CM tall, ensures a compact form ideal for both mass plantings and mixed containers.
This cultivar is celebrated for its extended bloom period, often from early summer well into autumn, providing continuous color and texture. Low-maintenance by nature, ‘Summerwine’ requires minimal feeding and tolerates dry spells once roots are established. Gardeners appreciate its resilience in colder climates, offering hardiness down to -30 °C, while bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects flock to its flat-topped flower umbels.
Detailed Botanical Description
Foliage & Growth Habit
The foliage of Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ features deeply divided, fern-like leaves in a silvery-green hue that lightens under intense sun. Plants form neat, semi-evergreen mounds, spreading slowly by short rhizomes to fill in gaps without becoming invasive. Growth rate is moderate, with mature clumps achieved in two to three seasons under optimal conditions.
Flowers & Blooming
During bloom, sturdy stems rise above the foliage, bearing flat-topped clusters of 15–20 tiny florets in a luxurious wine-red tone. Flowering typically begins in June and can continue through September, fading gracefully to antique shades. While the blooms are virtually scentless, they are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hoverflies, making ‘Summerwine’ an excellent pollinator-friendly choice.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Description |
| Scientific Name | Achillea millefolium ‘Summerwine’ |
| Common Name | Summerwine Yarrow |
| Hardiness Zone | Down to -30 °C |
| Mature Height | 45 CM |
| Growth Habit | Upright, mounding |
| Flower Color | Deep wine-red |
| Bloom Period | June – September |
| Sun Exposure (Standplaats) | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, neutral to alkaline |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Maintenance Level | Low |
| Butterfly Friendly | Yes |
Planting & Care Guide
Ideal Location
Choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun to encourage sturdy stems and abundant flowering. Soil should be well-drained; amend heavy clay with coarse sand or gravel. When planting from a Plantgoed P12 pot, space divisions 30–40 CM apart to allow room for mounding without overcrowding.
Watering
Water thoroughly at planting to establish roots. Once established, Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ is drought tolerant and requires watering only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering or poorly drained soils can lead to crown rot, so allow the topsoil to dry between waterings.
Pruning & Maintenance
To promote rebloom, deadhead spent flower clusters regularly. In late autumn or early spring, trim foliage back to 5–10 CM above the crown to refresh growth. Divide clumps every three to four years to maintain vigor and prevent central die-back. No heavy fertilization is necessary; a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
Design & Landscape Uses
- Perennial Borders: Create bold blocks of color when massed with lighter-flowering perennials like Salvia or Coreopsis.
- Rock Gardens: The low, tidy habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for sunny rockery spots.
- Pollinator Gardens: Combine with lavender and coneflowers to maximize nectar sources for bees and butterflies.
- Cut Flower Gardens: Sturdy stems and long vase life make ‘Summerwine’ perfect for fresh or dried arrangements.
- Container Combinations: Pair with ornamental grasses in large pots for a modern patio display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ friendly to butterflies and pollinators?
Yes. The flat-topped clusters of tiny florets provide an accessible landing platform and abundant nectar, attracting a wide variety of butterflies, bees, and hoverflies throughout its bloom period.
How tall does Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ grow and how quickly?
This cultivar reaches approximately 45 CM in height with a similar spread. It establishes moderately, forming a full mound in two to three growing seasons under optimal conditions.
Can I prune Achillea mil. ‘Summerwine’ to encourage rebloom?
Absolutely. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage additional flowering. For a tidier appearance and renewed growth, cut back foliage to about 5–10 CM above soil level in spring or late autumn.