Achillea 'Ballerina' Seeds

Unlike the flat-topped yellow or pink Yarrows, Achillea ptarmica 'Ballerina' produces masses of sprays covered in tiny, fully double, pure white flowers that look like miniature pompoms or buttons. It creates a low, frothy mound of white that looks remarkably like a perennial version of Gypsophila (Baby's Breath).

This plant is a workhorse for the cottage garden. It blooms tirelessly from early summer to early autumn. Because the flowers are naturally dry and papery even while growing, they are incredibly easy to preserve. They are the "Everlasting" white filler that florists rely on for winter wreaths and dried bouquets.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Ballerina'

I love this plant because it is a "fixer." If you have a border that looks too heavy with big, bold leaves, a drift of 'Ballerina' adds instant lightness and airiness. It acts as a white highlighter, making every colour planted next to it look cleaner and brighter.

It is also the ultimate low-maintenance cut flower. You can cut fresh stems for summer vases, or simply hang bunches upside down to dry. Unlike some white flowers that turn brown when dried, 'Ballerina' keeps its crisp, snowy white colour for years.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Perennial?

Achillea 'Ballerina' is a tough Hardy Perennial.

It dies back to the ground in winter and returns with vigour every spring.
The Habit: Unlike the flat-plate Yarrows, this variety spreads via underground rhizomes. It forms a dense patch that suppresses weeds brilliantly.
Top Tip: It is vigorous! Every 2-3 years in spring, dig up the clump and chop it into pieces with a spade. This keeps the plant healthy and gives you plenty of free plants to fill other gaps.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

This is a very easy plant to grow from seed, often flowering in its first year if sown early.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors from February to April, or outdoors May-June. Surface sow onto moist compost. Do not cover the seeds—they need light to germinate. Press them gently into the soil. Keep warm (18-20°C). Germination takes 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
It thrives in full sun or partial shade. While many Achilleas demand dry soil, 'Ballerina' (Sneezewort) is actually quite happy in moisture-retentive soil and doesn't mind damp spots, though it dislikes being waterlogged in winter.

Care While Growing:
This variety is compact (around 60cm) and rarely needs staking. After the first flush of flowers begins to fade in mid-summer, shear the whole plant back by half. This prevents it from looking messy and encourages a second fresh flush of white blooms in autumn.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

'Ballerina' provides a soft, low cushion of white. Pair it with vertical or spiky plants for contrast:

• 🔵 Echinops ritro (Globe Thistle): A textural masterpiece. The metallic blue, spiky spheres of the Globe Thistle look incredible rising out of the soft, white, frothy cloud of the Achillea. Both are excellent for drying.
• 💜 Larkspur 'Fancy Purple Picotee': Vertical contrast. The tall, rigid spikes of the Larkspur cut through the mounded habit of the Achillea. The white-and-purple Larkspur petals echo the pure white of the 'Ballerina' perfectly.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring. Blooms continuously from early summer to early autumn.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)