Fern-like foliage and yellow blooms make Fernleaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) an attractive and unique addition to any perennial garden. >>>download photo
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	June is the month when your plants get established and really begin to grow. Experts with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture say performing the following tasks can help you make the most of your garden and landscape. >>>read the article

by Dr. Susan Hamilton

Fern-like foliage and an exciting burst of yellow in late spring and again in late summer make Fernleaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) an attractive and unique addition to any perennial garden. The genus Achillea commemorates Achilles, the Greek hero, who is said to have used this yarrow for its wound-healing properties. Fernleaf yarrow is a member of the Asteraceae family which contains other perennial yarrows such as "King Edward", sneezewort, and common yarrow.

Fernleaf yarrow grows 3- to 4-ft tall with a 3-ft spread. Plants bloom in June and, if deadheaded, rebloom in August and September. It can be used as a showy specimen in the middle to the back of a perennial border. Mass plantings of 3 to 5 plants make a more dramatic show when the plants bloom.

Fernleaf Yarrow prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. This yarrow is ideal for rock gardens as well where the fern-like foliage can soften and accentuate the rocks. Even when not blooming, the foliage makes it an attractive plant in the garden. Soil should be well-drained and dry. Plants become lanky and weak-stemmed when fertilized and grown in moisture-rich soils.

Fernleaf yarrow forms clumps that multiply in size each year, requiring the plants to be divided every 3 to 5 years. Dividing is the best method of propagation. Seeds can be planted, but they sometimes produce smaller plants. Faster propagation will occur if you take cuttings in mid-summer or divide plants. If plants are not divided periodically, growth will become lanky and the plants will require staking.

Fernleaf yarrow has few pest problems and makes a great fresh or dried cut flower. Blooms keep their bold color for up to a year. Simply hang the cut flowers upside down for about 2 weeks to allow the flowers to dry for use in arrangements.

Popular Selections:
'Altgold' (Old Gold) — A hybrid with gray-green leaves and broad, flat, golden heads, this cultivar grows 2- to 3-ft tall and is considered a good rebloomer.

'Gold Plate' — Tall-growing plants (4 - to 4.5-feet) with 6-inch mustard-yellow flowers that are useful cut flowers.

'Anthena' — This hybrid selection is fragrant with soft, gray-green foliage. The pale yellow to sulfur-yellow flowers are smaller than other Fernleaf selections. The plan grows 2-ft high and 1- to 2-ft wide.

'Neugold' (New Gold) — A heavy-flowering selection, this cultivar grows 2-ft tall, with golden flowers. It is an excellent sturdy, long-lasting, cut flower.

'Coronation Gold' — This cultivar has large showy flowers with blue-gray foliage.

'Parker's Variety' — This yarrow has good stem strength on 3- to 4-ft tall plants.

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Submitted by Dr. Susan Hamilton, associate professor of plant sciences and director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. They are free and open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.