Yarrow is a favorite for California gardeners who love easy-care beauty. These 10 varieties stand out for color, texture, and resilience.
They bring a vibrant touch to summer and fall gardens. Discover which yarrow types could transform your California yard.
1. Achillea ‘Moonshine’
The soft lemon-yellow flowers of this variety create a dreamy glow in California gardens. Its silvery-gray foliage adds beautiful texture when planted alongside purple or blue companions.
Gardeners across the Golden State appreciate how ‘Moonshine’ tolerates poor soil and coastal conditions. The compact growth habit makes it perfect for borders or container planting.
2. Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’
Fiery red blooms fade to rusty salmon hues as they mature, creating a warm sunset effect in the landscape. The ferny foliage forms tidy mounds that stay attractive throughout California’s growing season.
Many Southern California gardeners love how this variety handles heat without complaint. ‘Paprika’ attracts butterflies and beneficial insects while maintaining its vibrant color even in challenging conditions.
3. Achillea ‘Terra Cotta’
Starting with apricot tones that mature to rusty terracotta, this variety brings earthy warmth to California landscapes. Its color-changing nature creates fascinating visual interest throughout the blooming season.
Northern California gardeners report excellent deer resistance with this sturdy performer. The strong stems make ‘Terra Cotta’ an excellent choice for cutting gardens, with blooms that dry beautifully for arrangements.
4. Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’
Bold mustard-yellow flower heads stand tall on sturdy stems, creating dramatic vertical interest in California gardens. The large, flat-topped blooms can reach 4 inches across, making a strong visual statement.
Central Valley gardeners appreciate how this variety handles summer heat without wilting. ‘Coronation Gold’ has been a garden favorite for decades, earning its royal name through reliable performance and striking good looks.
5. Achillea millefolium ‘Red Velvet’
Rich crimson blooms create a luxurious feel, just like its namesake fabric. The deep red flowers hold their color exceptionally well, even under California’s intense summer sun.
Coastal California gardeners find this variety performs beautifully in sandy soils. ‘Red Velvet’ combines wonderfully with ornamental grasses, creating natural-looking meadow plantings that require minimal water.
6. Achillea ‘Summer Pastels’
A delightful mix of soft pink, salmon, yellow, and white blooms creates a meadow-like effect in one planting. Each California garden with this variety develops its own unique color palette as the plants mature.
Wine country gardeners particularly enjoy how this variety attracts beneficial insects to their landscapes. The varied colors of ‘Summer Pastels’ complement many garden styles from cottage to contemporary.
7. Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Plate’
Massive golden flower heads create spectacular focal points, sometimes spanning 6 inches across! The architectural quality makes this variety perfect for California garden backgrounds and statement plantings.
Desert region gardeners throughout the Golden State prize this yarrow for its exceptional drought tolerance. ‘Gold Plate’ attracts beneficial insects while providing dramatic vertical elements that contrast beautifully with rounded plant forms.
8. Achillea millefolium ‘Cerise Queen’
Vibrant cherry-pink blooms create a cheerful display that brightens any California landscape. The magenta tones intensify in cooler coastal areas while maintaining good color even inland.
San Diego gardeners report this variety naturalizes beautifully in meadow settings. ‘Cerise Queen’ combines wonderfully with silver-leaved plants, creating stunning color contrasts that highlight its vivid flowers.
9. Achillea ‘Strawberry Seduction’
Ruby-red blooms with bright yellow centers create a striking bicolor effect reminiscent of strawberries. The compact growth habit makes this newer variety perfect for smaller California gardens or containers.
Bay Area gardeners find this yarrow performs beautifully in foggy conditions. ‘Strawberry Seduction’ maintains its vivid coloration throughout the blooming season, requiring minimal deadheading to stay attractive.
10. Achillea ‘New Vintage White’
Pure white blooms provide a cooling visual effect in hot California summers. This newer compact variety stays under 15 inches tall, making it perfect for front-of-border plantings.
Los Angeles gardeners appreciate how ‘New Vintage White’ brightens shady corners with its clean, crisp flowers. The pristine blooms create beautiful contrast against dark foliage plants while maintaining their compact form without sprawling.