Yarrow: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Achillea

Yarrow comes in bright yellow, red, or pink varieties.

Crestock

Yarrow is a hardy perennial with showy flower heads composed of many tiny, tightly-packed flowers. Fern-like leaves are often aromatic. Yarrows are easy-care and versatile: borders, rock gardens, wildflower meadows. Excellent for cutting or drying.

Planting Yarrow

• Loosen soil 12–15 inches deep with fork/tiller, mix in 2–4 inches compost.
• Plant in spring in well-drained, average to poor soil. Yarrows thrive in hot, dry conditions; won't tolerate wet soil. Rich soil may require staking (encourages growth).
• Space 1–2 feet apart. Quick to establish and spread; some species (Achillea millefolium) are invasive—choose carefully. Most reach 2–4 feet tall.

Care

• Each spring: thin compost layer + 2-inch mulch.
• Water regularly if summer rainfall <1 inch/week.
• Divide every 3–5 years. Lift clumps in early spring/fall, remove dead center stems, replant divisions in prepared soil.
• From tip cuttings: plant spring/early summer.

Pests and Diseases

• Aphids
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Stem rot

Recommended Varieties

• Coronation Gold — beautiful mustard-yellow flowers, silvery gray leaves.
• Fanal ("The Beacon") — rich red flowers with yellow centers.
• Cerise Queen — bright pink for garden color.

Wit & Wisdom

Native Americans used ground yarrow infusion as a sunburn wash. Also used for anxiety and stress.

Yarrow symbolizes everlasting love. Learn more flower meanings.