Drought-tolerant Achillea

Drought-resistant yarrows. If the common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and its varieties with shimmering flowers are perennials that tolerate dry conditions well and can go without watering in summer in moderate climates, the champions of aridity are to be found on the side of Achillea crithmifolia, A. clypeolata, A. umbellata or even the Achillea kellereri. Indeed, these botanical yarrows native to the mountains of southern Europe and the Balkans thrive in Mediterranean regions where it does not rain in summer for at least 3 months. With their grey to white, silvery foliage, they form excellent ground covers and work wonders in sun-drenched borders. The Achillea taygetea, also known as the Egyptian yarrow, is a water-efficient species widely used for hybridization. It is one of the parents of the excellent variety 'Moonshine', highly praised by gardeners for its low requirements. Let's also mention the Achillea tomentosa 'Aurea' ('Maynard's Gold'), the woolly yarrow whose foliage covered in a thick fuzz indicates excellent resistance to water shortage. Pair your drought-tolerant yarrows with lavenders, thymes, rockroses, rosemary.