Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety')

Overview

Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’, commonly known as Fern-leaf yarrow, is a standout herbaceous perennial prized for its architectural presence and exceptionally bright, long-lasting golden flowers. This cultivar provides vibrant color across the summer landscape, rising above its unique foliage structure. Gardeners value this yarrow for its resilience and sharp color contrast against softer greens.

The basal clump of deeply-dissected, aromatic leaves gives the plant its common name, Fern-leaf yarrow, adding textural interest even when not in bloom. Stiff, erect stems support the dense, flattened flower heads, making Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ an excellent vertical accent in perennial beds. It thrives in challenging conditions where many other plants struggle.

This plant is highly functional, offering excellent material for fresh bouquets and dried arrangements due to its sturdy stems and persistent color. Ensure placement in a location protected from harsh winds to help maintain the upright stature of the flower stems throughout the bloom season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Golden Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal performance, plant Fern-leaf yarrow in a location receiving full sun. The best growing medium involves lean, dry to medium, well-drained sandy loams. This plant tolerates average or even poor soils exceptionally well, provided drainage is excellent; crucially, avoid heavy clay soils and locations that remain overly moist or rich.

Watering requirements are low once established; Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ manages hot, humid summers and periods of drought effectively after settling in. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as rich, fertile soils can actually lead to floppier stems that require staking.

Maintenance is straightforward but requires attention to tidiness. Deadheading spent flower heads down to the nearest lateral bud can encourage a small flush of repeat bloom. After the main flowering concludes, cut the stems back to the basal leaves to neaten the planting. Clumps should be divided roughly every three to four years when they appear overcrowded. Propagation is easily achieved via seed, division, or cuttings.

Landscape Uses

Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ excels when used as a specimen plant to draw the eye to structure in the middle or back of a border. Its uniform height and bold yellow color make it perfect for grouping or mass planting, creating impactful drifts of summer sun captured in bloom. These plants are sturdy choices for cottage gardens, where they mingle well with lavender, salvia, and coneflowers.

Due to their upright habit and drought tolerance, they are also suitable for containers, particularly when paired with trailing plants to soften the edges. When planning a border, consider companion plants that appreciate similar dry, sunny conditions and offer contrasting bloom times or foliage shapes, such as perennial Geraniums or Sedums.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut
• Good Dried

Noteworthy Characteristics

Achillea filipendulina, commonly known as fern-leaf yarrow, is an upright, clump-forming yarrow that is native to the Caucasus, Iran and Afghanistan. The defining characteristic of ‘Parker’s Variety’ is its deeply-dissected, fern-like, aromatic foliage juxtaposed against tiny, long-lasting, bright golden flowers held in dense, flattened corymbs typically rising 3-4’ tall. This foliage possesses a strong, somewhat spicy aroma that is retained effectively when used in dried arrangements.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

The primary challenges for Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ relate to environmental stress or overly rich growing conditions. Disease issues such as powdery mildew, rust, and stem rot can occasionally develop, often exacerbated by poor air circulation or excessive moisture. To mitigate this risk, ensure adequate spacing during planting.

Strong summer rainstorms combined with high winds pose a structural threat, frequently causing exposed plantings to flatten. If plants are grown in richer soils than recommended, staking the flower stems becomes a necessary task to maintain an attractive silhouette throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Fern-leaf yarrow suitable for?

Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ is highly adaptable and reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a height between 3 and 4 feet, spreading slowly to 2 or 3 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Fern-leaf yarrow need?

For the best bloom density and strongest stems, this yarrow requires full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Fern-leaf yarrow bloom?

You can expect bright Golden Yellow flowers on Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ to appear consistently from June into August.

Conclusion

The combination of drought tolerance, striking golden flower plates, and aromatic, deeply-textured foliage makes Fern-leaf yarrow an indispensable choice for sunny, low-maintenance spaces. Incorporating Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ elevates the garden with reliable mid-summer color. Before planting, confirm your garden site offers the full sun and excellent drainage this Mediterranean-originating plant demands.

Companion Planting

When designing beds around Fern-leaf yarrow, select companions that share its love of dry, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Plants that bloom earlier or later can extend the visual interest of the area, allowing the yellow plumes of Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ to shine in July and August. Good partners include Russian Sage (Perovskia), which offers contrasting silvery foliage, and various ornamental grasses that provide movement.

Avoid planting next to moisture-loving perennials, such as Hostas or Astilbes, as the constant wetness will compromise the health of the yarrow and increase disease susceptibility. The structural nature of the flower stems works well when softened by plants that have a more mounding habit.

Propagation Tips

Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s Variety’ can be effectively propagated through multiple methods, offering flexibility for gardeners looking to expand their stocks. The most common and simplest method for established clumps is division, which should ideally be carried out in early spring or early fall every three to four years to maintain vigor before overcrowding occurs.

This cultivar can also be grown from seed, and fortunately, ‘Parker’s Variety’ possesses the potential to self-seed modestly under optimum growing conditions, contributing to naturalizing your borders slightly. For propagating specific desirable traits, cuttings taken from softwood growth can also be rooted successfully, though division remains the most straightforward maintenance task for mature plants.