Yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Desyel' DESERT EVE YELLOW)
Achillea millefolium 'Desyel' DESERT EVE YELLOW, a low-maintenance Yarrow cultivar, offers showy yellow blooms. Thrives in full sun and drought.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW, commonly known as Yarrow, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial cherished for its resilience and cheerful appearance. This specific cultivar provides dense clusters of bright yellow flowers throughout the summer, contrasting nicely with its finely dissected, aromatic foliage. It is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking tough plants that require minimal coddling.
This variety of Yarrow adapts well to various challenging conditions, including drought and poor soils, making it indispensable for naturalized settings or xeriscaping projects. The compact form of Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW helps mitigate the common flopping issues seen in taller yarrow types. Gardeners appreciate its low maintenance needs and its ability to attract beneficial pollinators.
Offering reliable color from June through September, Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW performs best when situated in full sun where drainage is keen. Whether used in cottage borders or sweeping meadow plantings, this robust Yarrow ensures textural interest and vertical appeal with minimal fuss.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW is easiest to establish when planted in the spring or fall, provided the soil is well-drained. This Yarrow thrives best when grown in lean, dry to medium, well-drained sandy loams basking in full sun exposure. While it tolerates average garden soils, ensuring good drainage is critical to prevent root issues, especially during wet periods.
Maintenance for Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW is generally low, which is a key benefit. Watering should be infrequent once the plant is established, as it handles drought conditions excellently and prefers dry soil. Avoid overly rich soils and excessive moisture, as these conditions can encourage weak stems that tend to flop, particularly in hot, humid climates. Deadheading spent flower clusters after the initial bloom will encourage a tidier appearance and potentially more yellow flowers late in the season.
To manage the plant’s size and maintain a tight habit, consider cutting the stems back by one-third in late spring before flowering commences. After the main flush of bloom ends, cutting the plants back to new lateral flower buds will tidy the planting and promote repeat flowering. As Yarrow spreads aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, dividing clumps every two to three years helps maintain the vitality of the planting and prevents unwanted encroachment.
Landscape Uses
The primary suggested use for Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW is to naturalize wide areas, transforming open spaces into picturesque meadows or prairies. Its drought tolerance makes it perfect for banks, roadside plantings, or seaside gardens where soil is often lean and exposure is high. The upright habit of this specific Yarrow ensures it provides excellent texture in less formal settings.
Beyond naturalized areas, the unique floral performance of Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW makes it an appealing choice for cottage gardens or rock gardens where its foliage provides year-round structure. These plants are indispensable for creating informal drifts of color, pairing beautifully with other drought-tolerant sun lovers like Sedum or Coreopsis. Furthermore, the flower heads are highly valued both fresh and dried for arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus name Achillea refers to Achilles, hero of the Trojan Wars in Greek mythology, who used the plant medicinally to stop bleeding and to heal the wounds of his soldiers. The specific epithet millefolium means “thousand-leaved” in reference to the highly dissected foliage. ‘Desyel’ is a compact, upright selection of yarrow featuring dense, 2.5” wide clusters of yellow flowers, reaching about 1.5’ tall, and is often sold as DESERT EVE YELLOW.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
While Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW is generally robust, occasional disease issues can arise, primarily affecting the foliage or structure. Powdery mildew and rust are uncommon problems, usually exacerbated by poor air circulation or high humidity. The most significant structural issue involves stem lodging; plant stems are weak and can lodge easily, developing into a tangled mass by late summer, especially if the soil is too moist or rich.
To proactively manage potential issues, ensure sunny placement and avoid overcrowding to promote good air movement, which discourages fungal diseases. If stems do flop due to a heavy rainstorm or wind, maintenance pruning is the best remedy. If the plant begins to spread too aggressively via its rhizomes, division every 2-3 years is necessary to keep the planting tidy and vigorous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Yarrow suitable for?
Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW grow?
This compact selection typically reaches a height and spread between 1 and 1.5 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Yarrow need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to thrive, bloom profusely, and maintain strong stems.
When does Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW bloom?
The yellow blooms appear consistently from June through September, offering long-lasting summer color.
Conclusion
Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW offers gardeners a superb combination of drought tolerance, low maintenance, and continuous bright yellow color throughout the warmest months. As a dependable Yarrow cultivar, it excels in dry, sunny situations where other perennials might struggle. Evaluate your site conditions now to ensure this tough, low-growing variety fits your zone (4-9) and start planning where to plant your first clump this season.
Companion Planting for Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW
Because this Yarrow demands lean soil and full sun, successful companion planting focuses on species sharing similar low-water needs. Pair Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW with other drought-tolerant natives or Mediterranean herbs. Good partners include Russian Sage (Perovskia), various varieties of Coneflower (Echinacea), and ornamental grasses that appreciate sharp drainage. Avoid planting directly beside moisture-loving plants, as this can negatively impact the Yarrow’s long-term health and potentially encourage mildew.
Propagation Tips
While Achillea millefolium ‘Desyel’ DESERT EVE YELLOW spreads reliably by rhizomes, division is the easiest and most effective method for home propagation. Plan to divide established clumps every 2 to 3 years, ideally in early spring before new growth fully develops, or in the fall after blooming ceases. Carefully dig up sections of the mature clump, ensuring each new division has a healthy section of root and crown attached. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared, well-draining soil where they will establish quickly and continue spreading their vibrant yellow blooms.
