Yarrow

Achillea

A genus of perennials that are excellent for hot dry sites in need of summer color.
Divide and replant every 2 years to keep vigorous. Most Yarrows are resistant to drought, heat, salt, wind and fire. They are not eaten by deer or rabbit. Insect and disease problems are rare.

Achillea ageratifolia ( Greek Yarrow )
A mat-forming, low, woody-based perennial, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 1.5 feet, that is native to Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Greece. It is evergreen in mild climates.
The dense, delicate, deeply-toothed foliage is bright silvery.
The abundant, white flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne mid summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. Very tough, drought tolerant, and easy to grow, even happy in Oklahoma in full sun.

Achillea 'Anthea'
A fast growing, bushy, non-spreading, clump-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 3 feet.
The upright, soft foliage is intensely silvery.
The bright yellow flowers are borne in large clusters over a long season from early summer to mid-autumn ( if deadheaded ).
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil.

Achillea argentea
A mat-forming perennial reaching a maximum size of 14 x 12 ( 6 for foliage ), that is native to eastern Europe. The fine-textured foliage is silvery.
The small, pure white flowers are daisy-like.
Hardy zones 4 to 8

* historical archive photo

Achillea chrysocoma
A carpet-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 10 inches, that is native to Yugoslavia.
The woolly foliage is silvery-gray.
The deep yellow flowers are borne in inflorescences up to 3.2 inches in length.
Hardy zones 4 to 8

Achillea clavennae
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 1 ( 3 ) x 2 feet.
The deeply-cut foliage is silvery.
The white flowers are borne in inflorescnces, up to 0.8 inches in length.
Hardy zones 4 to 8

Achillea clypeolata
An evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 28 inches x 3 feet, that is native to the Balkan region of Europe ( Romania to Greece ). The aromatic, hairy, pinnate leaves, up to 13 x 2 inches, are silvery.
The tiny, yellow flowers are borne in dense, corymbs, up to 4.7 inches across, during summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8. Divide every spring.

Achillea 'Credo'
A perennial, reaching a maximum height of 4 feet.
The fragrant, very large, silvery-yellow flowers are borne during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun.

Achillea filipendulina ( Fernleaf Yarrow )
A dense, upright, clump-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5.5 x 4.5 feet, that is native from the Caucasus to central Asia.
The aromatic, ferny, toothed leaves, up to 10 inches in length, are hairy, gray-green.
The tiny, deep yellow flowers are borne in large corymbs, up to 6 inches across, all summer long.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun on just about well drained soil. Very drought, wind and heat tolerant. Deer and rabbit resistant. Deadhead old blooms to extend blooming season.

* photo taken on July 14 2016 in Tobermory, Ontario

'Altgold'
Reaches a maximum size of 5 x 4 feet, with golden-yellow flowers borne in heads, up to 5 inches across, during early summer then repeating during autumn if deadheaded.

'Cloth of Gold'
Reaches up to 5.5 feet in height, with golden-yellow flower heads up to 4 inches across.

'Coronation Gold'
A fast growing, dense ( with up to 50 stems ), evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 4 feet.
The low feathery foliage is gray.
The yellow flowers are borne in flat heads all summer long.

* photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photo taken on Aug 2 2013 in Stratford, Ontario

* photo taken on May 3 2014 in Baltimore Co., MD

'Gold Plate'
Reaches up to 6.5 x 4 feet with golden-yellow flowers borne in broad inflorescences up to 6 inches across.

* photo taken on June 14 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 1 2011 in Luzerne Co, PA

* photo taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )

Achillea gigantea
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 4 feet.
The attractive, huge, pinnate leaves are deep green.
The flowers are creamy-white.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

Achillea jaborneggii
A dwarf, rosette forming, evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum height of 6 inches, that is native to the Siguniang mountain range in Sichuan China.
The deeply dissected foliage is gray.
The white flowers are borne all summer long.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun.

Achillea x kellereri ( Keller's Yarrow )
A hybrid with Achillea clavennae parentage, forming a vigorous, mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 1 x 1.5 feet. The attractive, finely-cut, strap-shaped leaves, up to 9 inches in length, are very silvery.
The large, white ( with yellow center ) flowers are borne in tight inflorescences, late spring to late summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on just about any well drained soil. Drought tolerant. Rabbit and deer resistant.

Achillea x kobiliana
The hybrid between Achillea clavennae & A. umbellata, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 inches. The deeply-cut foliage is gray.
The white flowers are borne in inflorescences up to 4 inches in length.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

Achillea x lewisii 'King Edward'
A moderate growing, low, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 1 foot.
The fuzzy foliage is gray-green.
The pale-yellow flowers are borne in inflorescences, up to 2.3 inches in length, during early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. Very drought tolerant.

* photo taken on Apr 9 2019 in Elkridge, MD

Achillea macrophylla
A stately, clumping ( non-rhizomatic ) perennial, reaching up to 6 x 4 feet, that is native to central Europe and northern Italy.
The very large, aromatic leaves are deep green.
The white flowers are borne on clusters during mid-summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun or partial shade on well drained soil. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.

Achillea millifolium ( Common Yarrow )
A fast growing to invasive, rhizomatous, mat-forming, evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3.3 x 6 feet, that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is naturalized widely in North America to as far north as Winisk, Ontario. It is found on roadsides and old fields in the wild. The Common Yarrow can spread up to 2 feet in a single season, and up to 3 feet per year after. These plants can be cut to the ground in mid summer to rejuvenate and force another flush of blooms. The lower varieties even make a good drought tolerant mowed lawn or groundcover on slopes.
The leaves, up to 8 x 1 inches in size, are deep green.
The flowers are borne on flat heads, up to 5 inches wide, during early to mid summer, often repeating in early fall.
Hardy zones 2 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. Extremely drought and heat tolerant, it thrives in very harsh climates including Alberta, Canada. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and is deer resistant.
PHARMACOLOGY: Mild aromatic and possible stimulant. It contains salicylic acid ( aspirin ingredient ), isovaleric acid, asparagin, sterols, flavonoids and coumarins.
Yarrow Tea is good for clearing up colds and aiding in sleep.
OTHER USES; Yarrow is disliked by most insect pests however attracts some predatory wasps that eat garden pest insects. It can also be used to line bird nests to control parasites. Yarrow is also an insecticide on the larvae of Aedes albopictus Mosquito.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photos taken on June 18 2012 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on July 27 2015 in Bayfield, ON

* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

* photo taken on July 9 2022 in Kettle Point, ON

* photo taken on July 9 2022 in Bayfield, ON

* photo taken by Clarence A. Rechenthin @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

'Apple Blossom'
A vigorous, dense perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 4 feet, with lilac-pink flowers borne in large clusters all summer long.

'Cerise Queen'
A very fast growing perennial, reaching a maximum height of 3.5 feet, with rose-pink to bright red flowers.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )

'Cristel'
A very attractive fast growing perennial, reaching a maximum size of 27 inches x 2 feet.
The foliage is deep green. The flowers are intense deep pink to purplish-pink.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken on July 27 2015 in Bayfield, ON

'Desert Eve Cream'
An upright, compact, clumping perennial, reaching up to 1.5 x 2 feet.
The foliage is mid-green.
The creamy-white flowers are borne on flat-topped clusters, up to 5 inches wide, during the summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.

'Desert Eve Red Improved'
An upright, compact, upright, clumping perennial, reaching up to 1 x 1.2 feet in one season, eventually up to 1.5 x 2 feet.
The foliage is deep green. The leaves are up to 5.7 x 1.2 inches in size.
The Deep red flowers are borne on flat-topped clusters, up to 5 inches wide, during the summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.

* photos taken during July 2018 in Elkridge, MD

* patent photo

'Firefly Amethyst'
Upright in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3.3 feet in 3 years, eventually slightly wider.
The foliage is gray-green. The leaves average 7.6 x 1.4 inches in size.
The intense rosy-pink flowers appear during early summer, lasting up to 5 weeks, and often repeating if deadheaded.

* photo taken on June 23 2023 in Columbia, MD

'Firefly Peach Sky'
Upright in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3.3 feet in 3 years, eventually slightly wider.
The foliage is gray-green. The leaves average 7.6 x 1.4 inches in size.
The pale orange ( fading to yellow ) flowers appear during early summer, lasting up to 5 weeks, and often repeating if deadheaded.

* photos taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA

'Fire King'
Reaches up to 2.5 feet with deep green foliage and scarlet-red flowers lasting up to 15 weeks from mid summer through mid autumn.
Attractive to butterflies.

* photo taken on May 15 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 9 2020 in Columbia, MD

'Fire Land'
A fast growing, sturdy-stemmed perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 4 feet.
The lacy foliage is deep green. The bright scarlet-red ( fading to creamy-yellow ) flowers are borne in clusters, up to 4 inches across, over a long season from mid to late summer.

* photos taken on June 18 2012 in Columbia, MD

'Flower of Sulfur'
Pale yellow flowers.

'Heidi'
A compact form with clear pink flowers.

'Hope'
Reaches a maximum height of 3 feet, with feathery green foliage and light creamy-yellow flowers.
Prefers sandy loam soil.

var. 'lanuosa'
A very attractive perennial, reaching up to 1.5 feet, that is native to North America ( from Yukon to Quebec; south to California to Oklahoma ).
The white flowers are borne during summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.

'Lavender Beauty'
Flowers are pastel lavender-pink

* photo taken on June 13 2022 in Columbia, MD

'Ortel's Rose'
An attractive, very vigorous, sturdy-stemmed perennial reaching a maximum size of 2 x 6 feet with ferny, deep green foliage. The blooms are bright rosy pink fading to white and are borne from May into July, typically blooming better if deadheaded.

* photos taken on 4th of July @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.



* photos taken on June 14 2012 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD

'Paprika'
A fast growing, compact, rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 5 feet.
The scarlet-red flowers are borne on large clusters early to mid summer, repeating the remainder of the summer if deadheaded. In hot summer climates the older blooms will fade to pink and creamy-yellow.
The attractive foliage is deep green.

* photo taken Oct 6 2012 in Howard Co., MD

* photo taken on Sep 25 2013 in Howard Co., MD

'Pink Grapefruit'
A fast growing, bushy, compact, sturdy perennial, reaching up to 1.3 x 1.2 feet during the first season, with an eventual maximum size of 2.5 x 2.5 feet.
It is a great plant for use in containers.
The foliage is gray-green to mid-green.
The large flowers heads are borne atop sturdy stems from early summer to mid autumn if deadheaded. The flowers are rosy-pink, later fading to pale pink
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is very heat and humidity tolerant.

* photos taken on Sep 3 2012 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on Sep 15 2013 in Howard Co., MD

* photo taken on May 3 2014 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photo taken on Sep 30 2014 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 1 2017 in Howard Co., MD

'Pomegranate'
Vigorous but dense and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.3 x 1 feet during the first season, eventually to 2.5 x 2 feet.
The foliage is mid-green.
The rich, deep red flowers are borne early summer into early autumn.

* photo taken on May 3 2014 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photo taken on Nov 8 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on June 18 2018 in Sykesville, MD

* photos taken on June 4 2019 in Elkridge, Columbia, MD

'Red Beauty'
A very attractive perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 x 3 feet, with low, lacy, mid-green foliage and red flowers borne mid-summer to mid-autumn.

* photo of unknown internet source


'Red Velvet'
Fast growing, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 x 3 ( rarely over 2 ) feet, with deep red flowers that do not fade.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )

'Snowtaler'
Reaches a maximum height of 3 feet with stout, sturdy stems bearing pure white flowers. Reblooms if cut back after the first flush.

* photo taken on July 5 2022 in Windsor, MD

'Strawberry Seduction'
A fast growing, compact, sturdy, upright perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 3 feet.
The foliage is deep green.
The flowers are deep red with contrasting yellow centers.
They are borne atop branched stems from early summer to early autumn if deadheaded.
Hardy zones 2 to 8.

* photo taken on Sep 21 2013 in Harford Co., MD

* photos taken on June 20 2014 in Harford Co., MD

* photo taken on June 2015 in Harford Co., MD

* photo taken on May 21 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

'Summer Pastel'
Reaches up to 3.1 feet in height.
The flower clusters of mixed colors are up to 6 inches wide.

* photo taken on Sep 16 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on May 9 2019 in Columbia, MD

'Terracotta'
A fast growing, rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 5 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, with gray-green foliage.
The orange flowers are borne on clusters, up to 6 inches across, during mid summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, tolerating as low as -30 F.

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

'Walter Funke'
The flowers are deep red with a yellow eye. They are borne atop sturdy stems from early summer to early autumn.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )

'Weser River Sandstone'
A fast spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 5 feet. The flowers are deep pink fading to buff-yellow.
Hardy zones 3 to 8, tolerating as low as -40 F

* photo taken on June 14 2012 in Columbia, MD

Achillea 'Moonshine'
A hybrid of Achillea clypeolata parentage. An attractive perennial, forming a dense, broad clump, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 x 4 ( rarely over 2 ) feet. It is NOT an invasive rhizomatous spreader. It looks great with ornamental grasses.
The aromatic, ferny leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are silvery to blue-gray.
The bright yellow flower are borne in clusters, up to 6 inches across, from May until the first hard frost in fall if deadheaded.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. It does not enjoy very hot, humid summers but is moderately drought tolerant. Cut back after the first flush of blooms to encourage rebloom. Attracts butterflies & hummingbirds and is also deer and rabbit resistant.

* photo taken on June 5 2013 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Aug 1 2013 in Goderich, Ontario

* photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photo taken on May 20 2014 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on July 16 2016 in Goderich, ON

* photo taken on May 24 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

* photos taken on June 4 2018 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on May 27 2019 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Apr 14 2024 in Columbia, MD

Alchillea ptarmica ( Sneezeweed )
A fast growing to very invasive, rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3.5 x 6+ feet, that is native to Eurasia ( northern Europe to Siberia; south to northern Spain to northern Italy to Romania ). It has naturalized locally in eastern North America to as far north as Cochrane, Ontario.
The finely-toothed, narrow leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are deep green.
The white flowers are borne in loose corymbs, up to 4 inches across, during summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun on cool ( mulched ), moist, well drained soil. Heat tolerant as well as tolerant of occasional drought once established.
Prone to powdery mildew and rust in humid climates.
OTHER USES: Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked; they can also be used as an insect repellent. Unfortunately this plant is poisonous to cattle and should not be used for forage.

'Ballerina' ( Double White Yarrow )
Reaches a maximum size of 2.5 x 6+ ( rarely over 2 ) feet.
The small, pure white, double flowers are borne early summer to mid autumn.

'Perry's White'
Pure white flowers borne early; otherwise similar to species.

'Snowball'
Upright in habit, reaching up to 16 inches in height, with pure white flowers borne mid to late summer.

'The Pearl'
Fast growing to invasive, reaching up to 3 feet in height, with deep green foliage.
The double white flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide each, are borne from mid to late summer.

* historic archive photo

Achillea serbica ( Serbial Yarrow )
Also called Achillea ageratifolia var serbica. A slow growing, low, compact, mat-forming, evergren perennial, reaching up to 4 x 15 inches, that is native to the former Yugoslavia.
The narrow leaves vary from gray to deep green.
The abundant, showy, white flowers are borne late spring to early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. Very drought tolerant. Rabbit and deer resistant.

Achillea serrata
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 32 x 20 inches.
The foliage is deep green.
The single, white flowers are borne in flat heads, up to 3.5 inches across, during late spring.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

Achillea sibirica ( Siberian Yarrow )
A herbaceous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 x 3 feet.
The very ornamental, bold, ferny, saw-edged, lance-shaped foliage is bright green.
The large, white or soft pink flowers are borne from early summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun.

var.campschatica 'Love Parade'
Same except for attractive flowers that are soft pink, fading to white.

'Japanese Lace'
Slightly larger, up to 3 feet in height, with lacier foliage that is the most attractive of all Yarrow.
The flowers are pale pink.
Hardy zones 5 to 8, it is very hardy and easy to grow.

* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA

'Stephanie Cohen'
Same except for attractive flowers that are soft pink, fading to white.

Achillea taygetea
A vigorous, evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 2 feet, that is native to the Middle East. The aromatic finely-cut foliage is silvery-green.
The pale yellow flowers are borne in flat heads, up to 4 inches across, from early summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 2 to 8

Achillea tomentosa ( Woolly Yarrow )
A mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 16 inches x 2 feet, that is native to southwest Europe. An excellent plant for the rock garden.
The aromatic, finely-cut, woolly foliage is gray-green.
The bright yellow flowers are borne in dense inflorescences, up to 3.2 inches in length, during late spring to mid summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. Very drought tolerant.

'Aurea'
No noticable difference.