Yarrow ‘Paprika’ | Plant Profile

Yarrow 'Paprika' are deeply-dissected perennials that can be considered groundcovers with their mat-forming tendencies. Flowering stems grow up to 3' and produce long lived blooms from June to September. Young flowers are a deep red, as evidenced by the name. With age, the flowers lose their vibrant red saturation and slowly fade to a light pink. The yellow center remains throughput the life of the bloom.  The foliage is the fragrant part of this perennial, giving off a spicy aroma. The fern-like leaves are often cut, dried and displayed in indoor flower arrangements where they maintain most of their fragrance.

Yarrow prefer dry to medium well drained soils. They are tolerant of drought and humid climates, though this may cause the long stems to droop. Too much water may also cause drooping, so it may be recommended to cut the stems in spring to reduce the overall height of the plant. If planted individually, the sparse foliage may be susceptible to blowing over in strong winds and rain. Providing a windbreak or other foliage may be recommended.

These plants may be susceptible to stem rot, mildew, and rust. If not cut back, the wiry stems can become tangled. If left unchecked, they can become invasive and choke out other small plants. These hardy plants can be mowed or sheered to contain them.

Though they can be planted ornamentally, Yarrow are best installed in large areas where they are permitted to spread. They are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them a perfect addition to a pollinator garden, wild flower arrangement, or meadow.