Paprika Yarrow
Warm Red-Orange Clusters with Golden Eyes
Paprika Yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Paprika') heats up the summer border with flat clusters of cherry-red flowers centered in gold, softening to warm coral and salmon tones as they age. Atop aromatic ferny foliage, the long-blooming heads draw butterflies and bees and shrug off heat and drought. Deer-resistant and reliable, this classic is a spicy, low-care addition to sunny Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury borders.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' |
| Mature Size | 18–24 in tall and wide |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | Summer (long blooming) |
| Flower Color | Cherry-red with gold centers, aging coral |
| Soil | Lean to average, well-drained; very drought tolerant |
Landscape Uses
Use Paprika in pollinator and sunny borders, prairie-style and gravel gardens, and mass plantings. It pairs beautifully with coneflowers, salvia, and ornamental grasses, and the flowers are excellent fresh or dried.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall in a sunny, well-drained spot.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill (avoid rich, heavy soil), water in, and mulch lightly. Good drainage keeps it sturdy.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply once a week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Little supplemental water needed; it's very drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering and rich soil, which cause floppy growth.
Drip Irrigation: Use sparingly; yarrow thrives on the dry side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the color change?
Yes, the cherry-red flowers soften to coral and salmon shades as they age, giving a multi-tone effect.
Is it good for pollinators?
Yes, the flat flower heads are a landing pad for butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 perennial, fully hardy statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the aromatic foliage makes yarrow reliably deer-resistant.
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Pair Paprika with our other yarrows, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses for a low-water, pollinator-friendly border.