Perennial of the Month-- July 2009

(a-KILL-ee-ah) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name: Pomegranate yarrow

Family: Asteraceae, Aster

Height x width: 18-24" high and wide

Growth rate, habit: moderately fast, spreading

Foliage: deeply divided to 4in. long and one in. wide, dense at base of plants, bright green; usually 3-5 leaves per node, lanceolate, serrated, 6-8in. long

Flowers: on stems (more sturdy in cool north than in south and hot climates) above leaves, flat-topped corymbs 2-3in. wide, outer flowers female, inner flowers male and female; bright pomegranate or velvety red; long bloom from midJune through most of the summer (north), midMay in warmer climates

Hardiness: USDA zones (3)4-8, ASHS heat zones 9-1

Soil: well-drained

Light: full sun

Pests and problems: none significant

Landscape habit, uses: borders, containers, groundcover, massed, fresh or dried cut flowers; combines well with blue ornamental grasses (blue oat grass, blue switchgrass), red switchgrass (such as 'Ruby Ribbons' or 'Shenandoah'), blues such as catmint or lavender

Other interest: one of the new Tutti Fruiti series from Blooms of Bressingham, originally bred in Holland by the Sahin firm; excellent new color and long bloom, compact and not aggressive like species, good in heat and humidity as well

Propagation: at home divide as needed, preferably early spring or after bloom; commercially patented so by licensed propagators

Sources:  many special perennial nurseries and online from Blooms of Bressingham retailers