How to Grow Common Yarrow: A Low-Maintenance Perennial

Overview

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an herb with fernlike foliage and blooms spanning yellow, red, white, pink, orange, and purple. Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies from early summer through fall. Extremely easy—thrives in poor soil with no watering.

Step 1: Site Selection

Full sun to part shade. Amend with compost if desired, but yarrow grows in very poor, well-drained soil. Avoid wet areas near downspouts or marshy spots. Prefers sandy soil, pH 6.0–6.5.

Step 2: Sow or Transplant

Sow seeds in spring as soon as soil is workable. Space 12–18 inches apart. Cover lightly, water gently. Plants may take 2 years to establish; consider buying nursery plants for faster results.

Step 3: Container Growing

Yarrow does well in pots—it prefers dry conditions. Perennial in USDA Zones 3–9. In cold winters, it dies back but returns in spring.

Step 4: Propagation

Divide rhizomes in fall and replant. For stem cuttings: take 6 inches of new growth, remove bottom 2 inches, dip in rooting hormone, plant in seed-starting mix, keep moist 3+ weeks until rooted.