Katherine Havemeyer Lilac vs Yarrow - TreeTime.ca

Katherine Havemeyer Lilac vs Yarrow

Syringa vulgaris Katherine Havemeyer

Achillea borealis (Previously Achillea millefolium)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Katherine Havemeyer Lilac
Yarrow

Katherine Havemeyer Lilac is a cold hardy French lilac known for its highly fragrant, double flowers. The buds start as a lavender-purple and give way to soft pink blooms that have double the number of petals compared to other Lilacs. The flowers bloom in late spring and can last up to 3-4 weeks.

The Katherine Havemeyer lilac, like other lilacs, is deer-resistant. The flowers are known for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators to your landscape.

Yarrow is a herbaceous, native wildflower that is found across Canada. It features large, flat clusters of tiny white flowers. The blooms attract a variety of pollinators, making it an ideal choice for pollinator gardens. While partial shade is tolerated, the best flowering occurs in full sun. Yarrow is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it both a beautiful and practical addition to your landscape.

The entire plant is edible, but leaves and flowers are most commonly consumed. They have a strong licorice scent and a mild sweet flavor that is similar to tarragon. Yarrow leaves can also be used as a natural insect repellent.

It is important to plant Yarrow in the right place, it can spread quickly via both rhizomes and self-seeding. Deadheading the spent flowers will extend the bloom season and can help limit self-seeding.

Katherine Havemeyer Lilac Quick Facts

Yarrow Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $12.99 - SAVE UP TO 19%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Flowers: pink to light purple
Flowers: clusters of white flowers
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Other Names: katherine havemeyer french lilac
Other Names: common yarrow, devils nettle, milfoil, western yarrow, white yarrow