Product Description
Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' PP32403 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
Firefly Collection
Common Name: Yarrow
One of the very best Yarrows for lasting color throughout the summer. Bright yellow flowers contrast with dark gray green foliage. Upright habit.
Fireflies, or whatever you call the insects that light up the night-when you see them, they're a sure sign of warm summer weather. Similarly, this new Yarrow collection will light up your summer garden. These plants differ from other Yarrow due to their taller nature without compromising beautiful habits and sturdiness. Available in a wide selection of colors to fill the needs of your garden.
Yarrow is one of the easiest perennials to grow and is a good choice for beginners. All it needs is full sun and well-drained soil. These plants are an excellent balance of finely textured foliage and bright flower colors. The wide, flat flower clusters are popular landing pads with pollinators.
Yarrow is one of the easiest perennials to grow and is a good choice for beginners. All it needs is full sun and well-drained soil. It thrives in average to poor soil and is drought tolerant once established. Plants grown in rich soil tend to be tall and floppy. After the flowers have faded, cut the plant back by half. This will likely stimulate a second flush of blooms in late summer.
Height: 28.0-30.0 Inches
Spread: 24.0-28.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Yellow Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Rapid
Garden Style:
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is a popular perennial plant known for its vibrant, cheerful yellow flowers and attractive foliage. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels. This article will provide a detailed overview of Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine', including its physical characteristics, growing conditions, and uses in the garden.
Physical Characteristics Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is a clump-forming perennial that typically grows to be about 28-30 inches tall and 24-28 inches wide. It is taller than many other yarrows, but it maintains a sturdy, upright habit. 'Firefly Sunshine' produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from early to late summer. The foliage is a dark gray-green color and keeps this color from spring to frost. The flower clusters provide a wide landing area that is attractive to pollinators. This yarrow is also fragrant and deer and rabbit resistant. While the Achillea millefolium species is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North America, it is unclear if this specific cultivar originated in North America.
Growing Conditions Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is a very adaptable plant that thrives in a variety of conditions.
- Sunlight This yarrow prefers to grow in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil 'Firefly Sunshine' prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but avoid overly rich or moist soils to prevent leggy growth and promote flowering.
- Watering Once established, this yarrow is drought tolerant. However, it may need more frequent watering during periods of extreme heat or if planted in containers.
- Fertilizing Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' has minimal fertilization needs. Overly fertile soils can lead to floppy growth, so it is best to avoid fertilizing or only apply a slow-release, general purpose fertilizer in spring if desired.
- Salt Tolerance 'Firefly Sunshine' is salt tolerant , making it a good choice for coastal gardens or areas with salty soil.
- Maintenance and Care Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is a low-maintenance plant, but a few simple care practices can help ensure its health and vigor.
- Watering Water regularly after planting to keep the soil moist until the plant is established. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, but you may need to water during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, especially if it is planted in a container.
- Fertilizing As mentioned previously, fertilization is often not required for this yarrow. If you do choose to fertilize, do so sparingly in the spring.
- Winterizing 'Firefly Sunshine' can be left in the garden over winter in zones where it is perennial (zones 3-8). After the first frost in late fall, cut back the foliage to ground level. In colder zones, add mulch over the area to protect the roots.
- Pruning After the first flush of blooms fades, cut the plant back by about half to encourage a second blooming and to maintain a compact form. Removing spent flowers throughout the season can also promote continuous blooming.
- Pest and Disease Management This yarrow is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, keep an eye out for aphids or fungal diseases, particularly in humid conditions. If necessary, apply organic or chemical controls according to label instructions.
Garden Uses Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is a versatile plant with many uses in the garden. It is ideal for adding vibrant color to summer borders and flower beds. It works well in cottage and Mediterranean garden styles, as well as in mass plantings for a bold display of color. 'Firefly Sunshine' is also suitable as a cut flower for fresh bouquets or dried floral arrangements. Consider planting it alongside pathways and patios where its pollinator-attracting qualities can be enjoyed.
Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is a standout perennial with a lot to offer gardeners. Its vibrant yellow flowers, long blooming season, and attractive gray-green foliage make it a beautiful addition to any garden. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates drought and salt, and is resistant to deer and rabbits. 'Firefly Sunshine' is also a good choice for attracting pollinators to the garden. Its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of settings, including borders, mass plantings, containers, and cut flower gardens. Consider pairing it with companion plants such as lavender, salvia, coneflower, Russian sage, or sedum for a stunning display. With its ease of care and many desirable qualities, Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is sure to brighten any sunny garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
