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Achilleas are in vogue again thanks in part to the many different colours and improved cultivars that have become available in recent years.Achillea was named by Linnaeus the modern father of horticulture in honour of the Greek hero Achilles. They are generally short-lived perennials with flat plate-like flowerheads held high above ferny foliage. This one produces a profusion of rosy lilac flowers which fade slightly with age to a lavender pink. Best in full sun in the middle rank of the border where it will associate well with dark spires of Salvia nemerosa and any of the Nepta family. Achilleas will attract many beneficial insects including bees, butterflies and hoverflies to the garden.

• Garden care: Protect from Slugs. Stake using twiggy stems before the flowers appear. Cut back after first flowering to encourage a secondary flush in late summer/early autumn. Old clumps can be revived by lifting, splitting and replanting in spring.