Companion & Understudy Plants for Achillea (Yarrow)
When it comes to choosing companion and understudy plants for Achillea, also known as yarrow, there are several options that can create a beautiful and harmonious garden or landscape. Yarrow is a versatile and hardy plant that thrives in meadow or prairie-like environments, so it pairs well with other plants that share similar characteristics.
One great companion plant for Achillea is butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). These two plants not only complement each other visually but also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to your garden. The vibrant orange flowers of butterfly milkweed create a striking contrast against the delicate white, pink, or yellow blooms of yarrow, creating an eye-catching color combination.
Rudbeckia daisies, commonly known as Black-eyed Susans, are another excellent choice to pair with Achillea. These daisies feature bold yellow or orange petals with a dark center, which complements the colors of yarrow nicely. Both plants have a similar growth habit, making them well-suited to be planted together in a meadow or prairie-style garden.
If you’re looking to add some height and structure to your garden, consider including purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) alongside Achillea. Purple coneflower is a native perennial that produces beautiful pink or purple daisy-like flowers on tall stems. When paired with yarrow, the varying heights and textures of these plants create an interesting visual display.
To create a more naturalistic and diverse meadow or prairie landscape, incorporating native grasses alongside Achillea can be a great choice. Grasses like little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) provide a textural contrast to the delicate foliage of yarrow and add movement to the garden with their graceful swaying in the breeze.
In situations where Achillea may not be readily available or where you want to introduce more variety, other prairie or meadow plants can be substituted. Some additional options include blazing star (Liatris spicata), prairie smoke (Geum triflorum), and wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). These plants share similar growing conditions and aesthetic qualities with yarrow, making them suitable companions.
In my own experience, I have found that Achillea pairs particularly well with butterfly milkweed and rudbeckia daisies. The combination of bright orange and yellow hues alongside the soft, feathery blooms of yarrow creates a visually stunning display that attracts a plethora of pollinators to my garden. Additionally, the low-maintenance nature of all three plants makes them ideal for creating a sustainable and beautiful landscape.
When choosing companion and understudy plants for Achillea (yarrow), it is best to select plants that thrive in meadow or prairie environments. Plants such as butterfly milkweed, rudbeckia daisies, purple coneflower, and native grasses make excellent companions for yarrow. By creating a diverse and visually appealing garden or landscape, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these plants together.
