Achillea 'Marshmallow' Seeds

True to its name, 'Marshmallow' produces masses of fully double, pure white flowers that look like tiny, fluffy clouds or buttons. Unlike the flat plates of standard Yarrow, this variety creates a frothy, airy mound that looks remarkably like a perennial version of Baby's Breath (Gypsophila).

This is a compact, improved variety of the native Sneezewort. It is shorter and sturdier than older types, meaning it stands up well to wind and rain without flopping. It is a tireless bloomer, producing sprays of white flowers from early summer right through to autumn, making it an essential "filler" plant for bouquets and borders.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Marshmallow'

I love this plant because it acts as a "blender." The clean white colour and soft texture knit together hot colours and cool tones, calming down busy borders. It is incredibly robust and easy to grow, thriving in soils where fussier plants fail.

It is also the ultimate dried flower. The blooms feel dry and papery even when fresh, meaning they preserve perfectly. Simply hang a bunch upside down, and you have everlasting white flowers for winter wreaths and decorations.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Perennial?

Achillea 'Marshmallow' is a tough Hardy Perennial.

It dies back to the ground in winter and returns with vigour every spring.
The Habit: It spreads via underground runners (rhizomes). This makes it excellent for suppressing weeds, as it forms a dense mat, but do give it some room to spread its elbows!
Top Tip: The "Chelsea Chop." In late May, cut the stems back by about one-third. This delays flowering slightly but creates a much sturdier, bushier plant that won't need staking.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

This is one of the easiest perennials to grow from seed and often flowers in its first year.

🌱 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. Unlike other Yarrows that demand dry soil, Achillea ptarmica is quite happy in moisture-retentive soil and can even tolerate damp spots (though not a bog).

Care While Growing:
Once established, it is very low maintenance. Deadhead the spent sprays to encourage fresh buds. Every 2-3 years, dig up the clump in spring and divide it to keep the plant vigorous and controlled.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

'Marshmallow' creates a low, white cloud. Pair it with strong shapes and colours for contrast:

• 🔵 Echinops ritro (Globe Thistle): Texture clash. The metallic blue, spiky spheres of the Globe Thistle look incredible rising out of the soft, white puffballs of the Achillea. Both dry beautifully for winter displays.
• 💜 Larkspur 'Fancy Purple Picotee': Vertical interest. The tall, rigid spikes of the Larkspur cut through the mounded habit of 'Marshmallow'. The white-and-purple Larkspur petals echo the pure white of the Achillea perfectly.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

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

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)