How to Grow and Care for Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Complete Guide
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy perennial flower cherished for its beauty, versatility, and medicinal value. Known for its feathery leaves and clusters of tiny blooms, this plant has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, natural landscaping, and pollinator gardens. Today, Yarrow is one of the most popular choices for gardeners in the United States, Ireland, and many other regions due to its remarkable drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to grow Yarrow successfully. This expanded version includes of detailed information, covering soil requirements, climate, watering, fertilization, propagation, pruning, pests, diseases, and the numerous benefits of this powerful plant.
What Is Yarrow?
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) belongs to the Asteraceae family and grows naturally in meadows, fields, and open grasslands. It is native to Europe and Asia but is now found all over the world. The plant grows in dense clumps and typically reaches heights between 1–3 feet. Its flowers come in various shades including white, cream, yellow, pink, red, and orange.
Historically, Yarrow has been used as a medicinal herb for wound healing, fever reduction, and digestive support. Modern gardeners appreciate its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects while also resisting drought and poor soils.
Ideal Soil for Growing Yarrow
Yarrow’s soil preferences make it an excellent option for gardeners seeking a flower that thrives with minimal care. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil with excellent drainage. Heavy clay soils can cause root rot if not amended properly.
- Soil type: Sandy or loamy
- Drainage: Very important—water should drain quickly
- Fertility: Low to moderate—rich soil makes stems weak
- pH range: 5.5 to 7.5
If your garden soil is heavy or compacted, mix in sand or fine gravel to improve drainage. Raised beds are also an excellent option because they prevent water from collecting around the roots.
Climate Requirements for Yarrow
One of the reasons Yarrow is so widely grown is its incredible climate tolerance. The plant can handle freezing winters, hot summers, humidity variations, and prolonged dry periods.
- USDA zones: 3–9
- Sunlight: Full sun for 6–8 hours daily
- Temperature range: -40°C to 35°C (very hardy)
- Humidity: Prefers dry air but tolerates moderate humidity
In shady locations, Yarrow grows taller and weaker, producing fewer flowers. To get strong stems and abundant blooms, always plant Yarrow in a location with full sunlight.
How to Water Yarrow Properly
Yarrow requires far less water than most garden flowers, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes. Once established, the plant can survive weeks without irrigation.
Watering Schedule
- Seedlings: Keep soil lightly moist until roots develop
- Young plants: Water deeply once per week
- Established plants: Water only during long droughts
Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases and weak growth. Yarrow prefers its soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Fertilizing Yarrow
One of the major advantages of Yarrow is that it rarely requires fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can cause floppy stems and reduced flowering.
- When to fertilize: Only in extremely poor soil
- Best fertilizer: Organic compost or slow-release formula
- Frequency: Once per year in spring
If your soil already contains organic matter, additional fertilizer is unnecessary. Yarrow grows best when it is not pushed with excessive nutrients.
How to Propagate Yarrow
Yarrow spreads naturally through its roots, but gardeners can propagate it using several methods: division, seeds, and stem cuttings.
1. Propagation by Division
Division is the easiest and fastest way to grow new Yarrow plants. Divide the plant every 2–3 years to maintain its health and encourage vigorous growth.
- Dig up the plant carefully
- Use a sharp knife to divide the root ball
- Replant divisions immediately
2. Growing Yarrow from Seeds
Yarrow seeds are small but germinate reliably. Start indoors 6–8 weeks before frost or sow outdoors in late spring.
3. Propagation from Cuttings
Cut 4–6 inch stems in late spring, remove lower leaves, and plant them in sandy soil. Use rooting hormone for best results.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps Yarrow healthy, compact, and full of flowers.
- Deadhead spent flowers: Encourages more blooms
- Cut back in fall: Trim the plant to 4–6 inches
- Mid-season pruning: Helps maintain shape
Pests and Diseases
Yarrow is resistant to most insects and diseases, but poor watering practices or excessive humidity can lead to problems.
Common Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Leafhoppers
Common Diseases
- Root rot
- Powdery mildew
- Botrytis
Medicinal Uses of Yarrow
Yarrow has been used for centuries as a powerful medicinal herb. Its flowers and leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.
- Promotes wound healing
- Reduces fever
- Supports digestion
- Improves circulation
- Used in herbal teas
In traditional medicine, Yarrow was often called “soldier’s woundwort” because it was used to stop bleeding in battle.
Yarrow in Landscaping
Yarrow is a highly versatile landscaping plant. It works beautifully in cottage gardens, rock gardens, wildflower meadows, borders, and pollinator gardens.
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs
- Excellent for drought-tolerant landscaping
- Perfect for naturalistic garden design
- Combines well with lavender, sage, and coneflowers
Conclusion
Yarrow is a remarkably easy-to-grow plant that offers beauty, resilience, and numerous benefits for both gardeners and the environment. Whether you grow it for its flowers, medicinal uses, or ability to attract pollinators, Yarrow is a valuable addition to any landscape. With proper sunlight, well-drained soil, minimal watering, and periodic pruning, Yarrow will thrive year after year with almost no maintenance.