Yarrow is a reliable, hardy perennial that can take the heat, attracts pollinators, and provides interesting flat clusters of flowers. It is known for its feathery foliage, long lasting blooms and its ability to thrive in poor soil and drought conditions. Yarrow is one of those old school plants gardeners love to have somewhere in the garden.
Types of Yarrow
Yarrow comes in a variety of colors and cultivars, making it easy to find one that suits your garden’s palette. Here are just a few.
- Achillea millefolium – Common yarrow with white, pink, or lavender flowers. Spreads easily.
- ‘Moonshine’ – A compact variety with bright yellow blooms and gray-green foliage.
- ‘Paprika’ – Known for its deep red blooms that fade to pink over time.
- ‘Coronation Gold’ – Tall, with large, golden-yellow flower heads.
- ‘Summer Pastels’ – A mixed blend with soft pastel tones, great for wildflower gardens.
Care
Yarrow is a low-maintenance plant once established. Here’s how to keep it thriving:
- Light: Full sun is best. Yarrow tends to flop in shade.
- Soil: Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soil as long as it drains well.
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently.
- Spacing: Plant 12–24 inches apart, depending on the variety.
- Fertilizer: Not usually necessary—too much fertilizer can lead to weak, leggy growth.
Pruning Yarrow
Pruning yarrow helps promote more blooms and keeps the plant tidy. Use a nice pair of hand pruners.
- Deadhead spent blooms throughout the summer to encourage repeat flowering. If the plant doesn’t produce any more buds after deadheading, cut back to the foliage at the base (basal) to regenerate the plant.
- Some varieties of yarrow, like common yarrow (achillea millefolium) are aggressive and need to be deadheaded and have their roots cut back to keep them in their place. Just take a spade or a gardening knife and dig around the plant and cut it to the size you want it.
- In late fall, you can cut the stems back to the basal foliage once the foliage dies back.
- Some gardeners leave the seed heads up for winter interest and to support wildlife. I like to do this because it gives the garden some texture in the winter. However, some people think it looks messy, it’s a personal preference thing.
Propagation
Yarrow spreads by rhizomes and can also be grown from seed or divisions:
- Division: Every 2–3 years in spring or fall, divide clumps to control spread and rejuvenate growth.
- Seeds: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed. Sow the seeds on top of the growing medium, because yarrow seeds need light to germinate. Then follow this seed starting guide.
Yarrow Bloom Time
Yarrow typically blooms from late spring through summer, often into early fall if deadheaded regularly. The flat-topped flower clusters are magnets for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. They’re also excellent for cutting and drying.
Common Pests and Diseases
Yarrow is generally pest- and disease-resistant, but here are a few things to watch for:
- Aphids: May appear on flower stalks; rinse off with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Powdery mildew: Can develop in humid or shady conditions—ensure good air circulation.
- Rust or leaf spot: Rare but possible in overly wet conditions.
Honestly these are just things I’ve read about and never observed myself in my twenty years of professional gardening.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planting a pollinator patch, a drought-tolerant border, or just love the look of soft, lacy foliage topped with cheerful flowers, yarrow is a garden staple. With a little pruning and occasional dividing, it will reward you with years of beauty.