Or the lead singer of the band.
Can you imagine five Steven Tyler's in Aerosmith? Or 5 Axl Rose's in Guns N' Roses? It would be complete and utter chaos; a hot friggin mess.
Today, I wanted to share a plant with you that never wants the spotlight. A plant that does just fine in the background but is a consistent performer. A Tom Hamilton or Izzy Stradlin if you will.
Today's plant is Achillea (Yarrow) 'Moonwalker':
Nothing overly exciting or dramatic but ... nice. I have had this perennial for years now and each and every year it returns without issue and blooms throughout the summer and into early fall. I have had issues with other Yarrows where they open up in the middle or flop, but this cultivar has been nearly perfect.
Some additional tidbits for you:
- Average size is 2' x 2'
- Survives in zones 4-8
- Prefers full sun
- Deer resistant (no issue ever for me)
- Drought and heat tolerant
- Has no real soil preference and has worked in clay for me
- Flowers are a deep yellow and are anywhere from 3" to 5" in diameter
- Like most yarrows (if not all?) the foliage is fern-like and a deep green in color
- The foliage is alleged to be fragrant but me and my deviated septum beg to differ
One quick note: Years ago, this was the first flower I cut and attempted to "dry" in my basement and I still remember the look on my wife's face when she saw it hanging from the rafters. It screamed "Who is this guy I married?" Classic.
Here are some additional photos:
Just breaking into bloom in early June:
Behaving nicely in late June:
Holding its own in a mixed bed:
And even holding up well into winter as the basal foliage remains green below the faded flowers:
One last item before I leave you.
For the first time ever, I have found a number of these popping up in different areas in the garden yet I've read that it doesn't re-seed and isn't true to the parent. Hmmmm ... very interesting. Anyone else having any experience with this? Please share.
"Dream on" and have a great weekend!
John
