Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' produces elegant sprays of pure white, semi-double, pom-pom daisies. They appear over a long period from June to August, carried above finely toothed, dark green leaves. Similar in habit to Gypsophila, Achillea (common name: Yarrow) is perfect for growing in an informal or cottage garden scheme, or as a foil for more colourful plants; it looks great with a backdrop of evergreens!

Drought-tolerant, and perfect for the middle of a sunny, well-drained border, Achillea 'The Pearl' has been grown by gardeners for well over a hundred years; it was a favourite of Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jeykll. Being vigorous, and spreading to form a natural mound, it is good for beds, borders, rockeries and patio pots. Its nectar- and pollen-rich flowers make it particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other insect pollinators. It makes a wonderful cut flower, too.

It has various, curious common names, ranging from white tansy and fair-maid-of-France, to goose tongue and sneezewort.