Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl'
(Sneezewort 'The Pearl')

Family - Asteraceae
Category - Perennial
Season of Interest - Summer
Hardiness - H7
Height - 60cm or more
Location - The White Garden

Description: Spreading, herbaceous Perennial with upright stems and narrow, dark green leaves. Small, pure white, double flowers are produced in Corymbs from early to late summer. The flowers are often compared with and resemble those of Baby's Breath (Gypsophila) and are excellent for use as cut flowers and drying. The common name 'Sneezewort' refers to the belief that handling this plant will cause one to sneeze. Also, historically, the leaves and roots were used as a substitute for snuff.

There is quite a lot of variation within this cultivar in the horticultural trade when stock has been raised from seed. As a result, plants raised from vegetative propagation that are believed to be true, have been given the long-winded name of Achillea ptarmica (The Pearl Group) 'The Pearl' (clonal).

Gallery Images:

Flower:

Small, double flowers are composed of pure white ray florets (petals) surrounding a central cluster of beige to green disc florets. Flowers are held in corymbs and produced from June to August.

Flower colour: White

Flower shape: Double, daisy-like flowers composed of ray and disc florets in corymbs.

Flowering time: June, July, August

Foliage:

Narrow, dark green leaves are lanceolate in shape with pointed tips. The leaves are Alternately arranged on upright stems.

Foliage Senescence: Deciduous

Foliage Shape: Lanceolate

Propagation:

Division.

Cultivation:

Best in full sun to partial shade in moisture retentive, but well drained soil.