Paprika Yarrow | Heat-Tolerant Red & Yellow Flowering Perennial

Paprika Yarrow

1 Gallon

$16.90

$16.90 $0.00

Paprika Yarrow

Achillea millefolium 'Paprika'

A sun-loving perennial with vibrant paprika-red blooms, ferny foliage, and effortless drought tolerance.

$16.90

$16.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Paprika Yarrow is a vibrant and long-blooming perennial that adds a sizzling pop of color to the sunny garden. Its flat-topped flower clusters emerge in a striking, rich red with a bright yellow center, slowly fading to soft terracotta and cream as they age, creating a beautiful multi-toned effect. The flowers are held on sturdy stems above a low mat of fragrant, fern-like, gray-green foliage. Extremely tough, drought-tolerant, and beloved by butterflies, this easy-care plant is a superstar for borders, meadows, and cutting gardens, providing months of reliable color with minimal effort.

Vibrant, Multi-Tonal Flower Clusters: Produces abundant, showy flower heads that open in a brilliant paprika-red with a sunny yellow eye, then gracefully fade to soft shades of terracotta, salmon, and cream. This color progression means multiple shades are often present on the same plant at once, creating a rich, tapestry-like effect.

Exceptionally Long Bloom Period: Blooms continuously from early summer through early fall, providing months of vibrant color with no deadheading required. A mid-summer shearing can encourage a fresh flush of flowers and maintain a tidy appearance.

Fragrant, Pest-Resistant Foliage: The soft, fern-like, gray-green foliage is aromatic when brushed and is highly unpalatable to deer and rabbits. It forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat that provides excellent ground cover even when the plant is not in bloom.

Extremely Tough and Adaptable: Thrives in hot, dry, windy conditions where many other perennials struggle. Once established, it is exceptionally drought-tolerant and performs beautifully in poor, lean soils. It is also highly resistant to pests and diseases.

Pollinator Magnet and Cut Flower Favorite: The nectar-rich flowers attract a constant parade of butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. The sturdy, long-lasting stems make excellent cut flowers for fresh arrangements and are also suitable for drying.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Fern-like, finely divided, aromatic gray-green foliage forms a low mat; flat-topped flower clusters (umbels) emerge rich paprika-red with bright yellow centers, aging to soft terracotta and cream
Mature Height: 1-2 ft (flower stems)
Mature Spread: 3-5 ft (clump-forming, spreads by rhizomes)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 3-8; Sunset A1-A3, 1-24
Light Requirement: Full sun
Key Benefits: Vibrant multi-toned flowers, exceptionally long bloom time, drought tolerant, heat tolerant, wind tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, attracts pollinators, low maintenance
Best Uses: Perennial borders, mass plantings, cottage gardens, meadows, rock gardens, coastal gardens, cutting gardens, slope stabilization

Q: Does it spread aggressively? How do I control it?
A: Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can spread vigorously by rhizomes. While 'Paprika' is a cultivated variety that is generally better-behaved and less aggressive than the species, it may still spread moderately in ideal conditions. To control its spread: 1) Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall. 2) Plant it in a location where it has room to naturalize. 3) Remove spent flower heads before they set seed to prevent self-sowing. Its spreading nature can be an asset for filling large areas or stabilizing slopes.

Q: How do I keep the flowers blooming all summer?
A: While 'Paprika' blooms prolifically on its own, the best practice for maximum flower production and to prevent legginess is to shear or cut the entire plant back by about one-third after the first major flush of blooms begins to fade (typically in midsummer). This encourages fresh, compact growth and a strong re-bloom in late summer and fall.

Q: Can it be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, though its spreading habit means it needs a sufficiently large pot (at least 12-14 inches in diameter) with excellent drainage. Container plants will require more frequent watering than those in the ground and benefit from division every 2-3 years to prevent becoming root-bound. Its long bloom time and pollinator appeal make it a rewarding container subject.

Q: Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for coastal plantings. It tolerates salt spray, sandy soils, and strong winds admirably. Its drought tolerance also makes it well-suited to the dry summer conditions typical of Mediterranean climates.