Plant yarrows in hot, dry gardens

Yarrows, botanically termed Achillea, are beautiful, easy-to-grow perennials that tolerate heat, drought and windswept areas in the garden. They adapt to a wide range of soil types, including our northern Illinois soil heavy with clay. They prefer average to lean soils. In fact, in rich soils, yarrows grow taller and flop without staking. Good drainage is a must; yarrows rot in wet conditions.

Plant yarrows in perennial borders and rock gardens or include them in wildflower plantings. Most varieties bloom from early summer to early fall. Deadhead spent blossoms to ensure continuous flowering. Their flat-topped flower clusters, densely packed with tiny florets, are a butterfly favorite. They are also ideal candidates for fresh or dried floral arrangements.

Yarrows have fern-like foliage that is often fragrant. Plants should be divided every three to five years in early spring or fall. They can be cut back after a hard frost if you are a blank-canvas type of gardener or will happily wait for spring cleanup.

Typically free of diseases, yarrows may get powdery mildew if subjected to extended periods of high humidity. Use an organic fungicide if telltale signs of powdery mildew - white, gray or tan areas on leaves, buds or stems - appear.

Yarrows also get bonus points for deer resistance. If hungry enough, deer will eat just about anything, but yarrows are not on their list of favorites.

There are many varieties of yarrows available at local garden centers. These are my favorites.

Achillea "Coronation Gold" grows up to 3 feet tall and about 2 feet wide. Golden yellow flower clusters sit atop sturdy stems over gray-green foliage. Partner it with Delphinium "Cobalt Dreams" in a classic complementary color scheme.

Achillea "Moonshine" is a bit smaller - 2 feet tall and 18 inches wide. Silver frosted blue-gray foliage shows off the sulfur yellow flower heads. Geranium "Max Frei" is a lovely companion.

Achillea "Strawberry Seduction" boasts domed clusters of strawberry red flowers with bold yellow centers. Robust and compact, it grows about 2 feet tall and wide. Partner it with Helianthus "Happy Days" in a sizzling summer duet.

Achillea "Sunny Seduction" is smaller, growing 18 inches tall and wide. Flat-topped clusters open lemon yellow and fade to butter yellow, presenting two hues of color on the same plant. Stiff stems hold flowers without flopping. Plant it with Salvia "Marcus" and a bright orange daylily-like "Rocket City."

Another selection from the Seduction series, Achillea "Saucy Seduction," shows off her rosy-pink florets, each with a tiny white center, on strong 18- to 24-inch stems. Plant Saucy Seduction with Amsonia "Blue Ice" and Echinacea "Evening Glow" and weave a delightful tapestry of color.

Yarrows come to the rescue of gardeners with sun-baked landscapes. Which variety will find its way onto your cart on your next trip to your local garden center?

• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the garden center manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit planterspalette.com.