Achillea Cassis Seeds

★★★★★ Pollinator & Perennial Border Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Achillea 'Cassis' is one of the most striking modern yarrow cultivars, producing large, flat-topped flower clusters in rich wine-red to deep raspberry shades that stand out brilliantly against its finely textured gray-green foliage. This long-blooming perennial combines exceptional drought tolerance with outstanding garden performance, making it a favorite among pollinator gardeners, landscape designers, and cottage garden enthusiasts.

The vibrant flowers create a dramatic display from early summer into late summer and provide valuable nectar for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. With its rugged nature and eye-catching color, 'Cassis' offers the perfect blend of beauty and durability.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium 'Cassis'
• Common Names: Cassis Yarrow, Red Yarrow, Common Yarrow
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 18 to 30 inches
• Mature Spread: 18 to 24 inches
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• USDA Zones: 3 to 9
• Flower Color: Deep raspberry-red, wine-red, burgundy-red
• Foliage: Finely divided fern-like gray-green leaves

Landscape Uses

Achillea 'Cassis' is ideal for perennial borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, prairie plantings, cutting gardens, wildflower meadows, and xeriscapes.

Its rich flower color combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, salvias, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, Russian sage, and other sun-loving perennials.

Germination Information

Seeds are easy to germinate and establish quickly.

• Sow seeds on the soil surface.
• Lightly press into the growing medium.
• Do not deeply cover the seed.
• Maintain temperatures between 65 and 75°F.
• Keep evenly moist until germination.
• Germination usually occurs within 10 to 21 days.

Growing Information

Achillea 'Cassis' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

Excessively rich soils may encourage floppy growth, while average to lean soils typically produce the strongest plants and best flowering.

Deadheading spent flowers often encourages additional blooms and extends the flowering season.

Container Growing

Achillea 'Cassis' performs very well in large containers and decorative planters. Its compact growth habit and vibrant flowers make it an excellent choice for sunny patios and container displays.

Provide good drainage and avoid excessive watering.

Pollinator Value

Yarrow is one of the finest pollinator plants available. The broad flower clusters attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and many other beneficial insects.

The flat flower heads provide easy landing platforms for pollinators of all sizes.

Wildlife Value

The flowers support a wide range of beneficial insects while helping maintain biodiversity within the garden. Birds may also visit mature plants for seeds and insect prey.

Its role as a beneficial insect plant makes it valuable in wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Historical and Cultural Facts

Yarrow has a long history dating back thousands of years. The genus name Achillea is derived from the Greek hero Achilles, who according to legend used yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers.

Throughout Europe and North America, yarrow has been valued as both an ornamental and traditional herbal plant.

Modern cultivars such as 'Cassis' have been developed to provide improved flower color and garden performance.

Botanical Facts

• Member of the Asteraceae (Daisy) family.
• Native species occur throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere.
• Flowers are composed of numerous tiny florets grouped into large clusters.
• Excellent drought and heat tolerance.
• Fern-like foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.
• Outstanding fresh and dried cut flower.

Seedman's Note

Achillea 'Cassis' offers everything gardeners love about yarrow—durability, drought tolerance, pollinator appeal, and long bloom time—combined with one of the richest flower colors available in the genus.

Additional Seedman's Note

If you're seeking a reliable perennial that provides months of color while supporting pollinators, Achillea 'Cassis' is an excellent choice. Its deep raspberry-red blooms add sophistication and contrast to sunny gardens while requiring remarkably little maintenance.