Species yarrow
Clusters of white flowers and green leaves on green stems.

yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an amazing plant species that can be found growing in a variety of places including roadsides, fields, and even in your garden. Yarrow has many incredible properties, such as its ability to attract pollinators, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial attributes, and its hardy nature. It is a perennial flowering herb, which means it can survive many climates and resist drought conditions; this makes it a great choice for anyone looking for an easy care plant for their garden. Yarrow also has medicinal uses, and is great for soothing upset stomachs or providing relief from colds and flu. All around, yarrow is a fantastic plant that offers a wide range of benefits and is well worth adding to your garden!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers In Summer

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay

Fruits:

brown,gray,gray Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) needs to be watered about once a week, depending on the weather and temperature. In hot, dry weather it is best to water more often in order to keep the soil moist. In cool, rainy weather, less frequent watering is necessary. To ensure a healthy root system and good blooming, water the plants when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. For best results, water slowly and deeply to ensure the entire root system is getting the necessary moisture.

sunlight

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) requires 6–10 hours of direct sunlight a day, ideally during the morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are not as strong. In areas with intense and prolonged heat during the summer months, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf burn, or to move the plant to a shadier area. Yarrow also prefers full sun during the winter.

pruning

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is best pruned in late winter or early spring when new growth begins to emerge from the base of the plant. Pruning yarrow should be done with pruning shears, taking care to avoid cutting back more than 1-third of the plant at any given time. Removal of any dead or diseased stems should also be done when pruning. Deadheading or removal of any spent flowers should be done throughout the growing season. Be sure to leave some flowers on the plant in order for it to reseed itself.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Yarrow typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Yarrow typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Yarrow is typically harvested in the summer months, from June to August.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Do yarrow flowers come in different colors?

Yes, yarrow flowers come in a variety of colors, from white, yellow, pink, and red. Yarrow also comes in a unique bi-colored variety having yellow-orange flowers with a burgundy center. The different colors of yarrow lend a cheerful touch to your garden. Yarrow flowers are also said to bring good luck, so don't forget to add a few of these colorful blooms to your garden for some extra good vibes!

Is yarrow a hardy plant?

Yes, yarrow is a hardy plant. It typically grows in hard to cultivate areas and is relatively low maintenance, making it a great choice for novice gardeners. Yarrow is a hardy perennial, and in many cases will take hold in areas that other plants may not thrive in. It is known for its attractive, feathery leaves and can create a billowing, attractive addition to any garden border. Low water requirements make it ideal for those trying to reduce their water consumption.

Should yarrow be cut back after flowering?

Yes, yarrow should be cut back after flowering. This will help keep the plant healthy and encourage more blooms the following season. After the plant has finished flowering, it is important to prune off dead flowers and trim back the leaves that may have yellowed or died back during the growing season. Making sure to cut the plant back to about 6 inches above the ground allows it to have a neat and tidy appearance and helps promote bushy growth. Regularly deadheading the plant and cutting back at the end of the season will help keep your yarrow healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Do yarrow flowers attract pollinators?

Yes, yarrow flowers are a popular plant to attract pollinators. They have a sweet aroma that entices bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The flower heads are also arranged in an open dome shape that makes them easier to access and explore by pollinators looking for nectar. Yarrow flowers also tend to bloom in late spring and summer, making them an integral part of a thriving pollinator habitat.

Do yarrow flowers bloom all summer?

No, yarrow flowers do not bloom all summer. Yarrow flowers typically bloom from late spring through midsummer, typically from late May or early June until mid to late July or early August. The exact bloom time will vary depending on climate and growing conditions as well as the variety of yarrow. After blooming, the plant will continue producing new foliage throughout the summer and into fall.

Is yarrow a perennial or annual plant?

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial plant, meaning it lives longer than two years and will come back each year. Yarrow is drought tolerant and grows in many soils and climates. This low-maintenance, hardy herb is often used in landscape or garden design and is a familiar wildflower in fields and along roadsides.

Are yarrow flowers suitable for drought-tolerant landscaping?

Yes, yarrow flowers are a very suitable option for drought-tolerant landscaping. These perennials are known for their ability to thrive in dry conditions and can add both height and color to a landscape. They are also known for their ability to attract beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them an excellent choice for eco-friendly gardens. Yarrow requires little to no maintenance, making them a perfect choice for busy or eco-conscious gardeners.

Should yarrow be deadheaded?

Yes, yarrow should be deadheaded to help keep the bloom period long and prevent the flower from going to seed. Deadheading is the process of removing faded or spent flowers from a plant so that new flowers can grow in its place. Yarrow flowers prefer deadheading in order to become showy, bushy and floriferous. It also prevents excess seeding which can create an unwanted forest of yarrow in the garden. If left unpruned, yarrow can become stretched and leggy. Pruning and deadheading yarrow can also help keep the plant looking its best.