'Firefly Sunshine' Yarrow

Achillea 'Firefly Sunshine' is an upright, mounded hybrid yarrow with dark gray-green, finely divided foliage and bright yellow flower clusters. It is a Walters Gardens selection in the [Firefly Collection](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=ACHFS), sold through [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/achillea/firefly-sunshine-yarrow-achillea-hybrid); its plant patent, [USPP 32,403](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP32403P2/en), was granted in 2020. ## Flowers and garden use The sturdy stems support a long summer display. In the Michigan patent trial, flowering began in late June and lasted at least seven weeks; deadheading can encourage another flush. Use it in sunny borders, mass plantings, or cutting gardens, where its flat flower clusters attract bees and butterflies. The yellow flowers stand out against the dark gray-green leaves, and the dried seed heads can extend interest after bloom. Proven Winners also lists it as a container thriller. ## Size and siting Retail listings give a height of 28–30 inches and a spread of 24–28 inches; the patent describes a three-year-old Michigan trial plant reaching 75 cm tall and 70 cm wide. Give the clump full sun and well-drained average or poor soil. Avoid rich soil, which can make stems tall and floppy. Water regularly while plants establish, then reduce irrigation as conditions allow; Walters Gardens describes established yarrow as drought tolerant and lists low to average water needs. ## Maintenance Remove faded flower heads to encourage repeat bloom. Proven Winners recommends cutting the plant back by half after flowering; this may refresh the plant and prompt a second flush later in summer. Leave some stems standing if you want the dried seed heads to remain visible.