The Ultimate Guide to Yarrow Varieties for a Beautiful Garden Transformation
Are you tired of looking at barren spaces in your garden? Do you want to add color and beauty to those neglected areas? Look no further than yarrow (Achillea). This hardy flowering perennial is the perfect solution for turning drab areas into stunning focal points. In this comprehensive guide, I will introduce you to 13 of the best yarrow varieties that will elevate your garden to new heights.
Why Yarrow?
Yarrow is not just another pretty face in the garden. It thrives in the worst soils with the least amount of water, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to beautify even the most challenging areas of their yard. This versatile plant grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, and even as far north as Zone 2 and as far south as Zone 10. With its ability to withstand drought, resist pests and diseases, and attract pollinators, yarrow is a must-have for any garden.
Cultivating Yarrow: Tips and Tricks
Before we delve into the exciting world of yarrow varieties, let’s talk about how to cultivate this amazing plant. Yarrow prefers a dry environment with full sun and thrives in average to poor soil that drains well. Here are some tips for growing yarrow in your garden:
- Start seeds or flowering mature plants directly into gardens or containers in early spring after all danger of frost has passed.
- If cultivating in fertile soil, be prepared to stake and prune the plants in spring to maintain a compact appearance.
- Yarrow is drought tolerant once established and rarely falls victim to pests and diseases.
- Yarrow spreads through an intricate system of rhizomes and may require dividing every few years.
Now that you know how to grow yarrow successfully let’s dive into the exciting world of yarrow varieties.
13 Best Yarrow Varieties for Your Garden
1. Apple Blossom
- A. millefolium ‘Apple Blossom’ is a Galaxy hybrid with purplish-pink flowers atop upright stems.
- Mature height: 18-24 inches.
2. Cerise Queen
- This A. millefolium cultivar features deep pink flowers and dark green foliage.
- Mature height: 12-36 inches.
3. Common
- A. millefolium, known as common yarrow, is a white variety that can be invasive.
- Mature height: Varies.
4. Gold
- A. filipendulina ‘Gold’ is a fern-leaf cultivar with bright yellow saucer-like flowers.
- Mature height: 3-4 feet.
5. Gold Plate
- A. filipendulina ‘Gold Plate’ features mustard-yellow flowers atop upright stems.
- Mature height: 4-5 feet.
6. King Edward
- A. tomentosa ‘King Edward’ is a matting dwarf variety perfect for rock gardens.
- Mature height: 6 inches.
7. Moonshine
- A. millefolium ‘Moonshine’ sports bright yellow flowers with silvery-green foliage.
- Mature height: 18-24 inches.
8. New Vintage Rose
- A. millefolium ‘New Vintage Rose’ boasts vibrant deep pink to red flower heads.
- Mature height: 12-15 inches.
9. Paprika
- A. millefolium ‘Paprika’ is a Galaxy hybrid with dusty brick red flowers.
- Mature height: 18 inches to 2 feet.
10. Red
- Red yarrow (A. millefolium rubra) features vibrant rusty red blooms.
- Mature height: 12-30 inches.
11. Strawberry Seduction
- A. millefolium ‘Strawberry Seduction’ resembles red strawberries and fades to straw yellow.
- Mature height: 18 inches to 2 feet.
12. Summer Pastels
- A. millefolium ‘Summer Pastels’ offers multi-colored blossoms in pastel shades.
- Mature height: 18 inches to 2 feet.
13. Sunny Seduction
- A. millefolium ‘Sunny Seduction’ features muted yellow blossoms atop tall stems.
- Mature height: 18-30 inches.
Final Thoughts
Yarrow is truly a garden superhero, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant areas bursting with color and life. Whether you’re a seasoned yarrow enthusiast or just discovering its beauty for the first time, incorporating one or more of these 13 varieties into your garden will enhance its charm and appeal.
So why wait? With yarrow, you can enjoy the beauty of nature in your own backyard while attracting beneficial pollinators and adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor living space. Try growing yarrow in containers, as a ground cover, or as part of a mixed bed to create a stunning visual display that will be the envy of all your neighbors.
Remember, yarrow not only adds beauty to your garden but also serves as an excellent cutting flower. Harvest the blooms and enjoy fresh arrangements that will last for days or dry them for everlasting color and fragrance.
So, what are you waiting for? Let yarrow work its magic in your garden and watch as barren spaces transform into beautiful areas that will bring joy and inspiration to your life. Share your yarrow stories and experiences in the comments below and let’s celebrate the beauty of this incredible plant together.
And if you’re curious about growing yarrow or want to explore its many uses and benefits, be sure to check out our comprehensive yarrow gardening guides for all the information you need to become a yarrow expert.
Let’s turn barren spaces into beautiful gardens with the help of yarrow! Enjoy the beauty of nature right in your own backyard.