Yearning for Yarrow

Yarrow, aka Achillea millefolium, is a native, low maintenance perennial making it an ideal choice for Long Island gardens. Easy to care for, yarrows are not prima donnas in the gardens. They thrive in full sun and average soil that is well-drained. Somewhat drought tolerant once established, but that does not mean NO water! A word to the wise – avoid overwatering.

The most recognizable of all yarrows is ‘Moonshine.’ Upright and clump-forming in habit, it delights with long-lasting lemon-yellow flowers that sit above beautiful aromatic, silvery to grey-green fern-like leaves.

Other varieties worth mentioning:

Just as the varietal name suggests, Achillea ‘Strawberry Seduction’ seduces with delicious deep strawberry-colored flowers and green fern-like foliage. And if you like bright colors, consider Achillea ‘Firefly Fuchsia’ with its intense, fuchsia-colored blooms and green fern-like foliage. Both varieties have upright growth habits.

Yarrow has many uses; you may want to add a few (or more) to sunny garden beds and borders, cutting gardens, naturalized areas, massed plantings, and cottage gardens.

Did you know? Yarrows are magnets for pollinators and butterflies in the garden. And if deer and rabbits enjoy your garden as much as you do, Yarrow is reported to be resistant.