How to Grow and Care for Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a versatile and hardy perennial plant, known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and ability to thrive in various growing conditions. Growing and caring for yarrow requires minimal effort, making it a favorite for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant addition to their garden. Here’s a guide on how to successfully grow and care for yarrow, from choosing the right variety to ensuring its proper growth and health.

1. Choosing the Right Location

Yarrow thrives in full sunlight, so it is essential to choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant enjoys well-draining soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for gardens with sandy or loamy soils. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with organic matter to improve drainage.

When selecting a location for yarrow, make sure it has enough space to spread. While it’s not an invasive plant, yarrow can grow in clumps and spread over time. Ensure there is enough room for the plant to expand without crowding other plants.

2. Planting Yarrow

Yarrow can be started from seeds, transplants, or divisions of existing plants. While starting from seeds is the most economical choice, it does require patience, as yarrow seeds can take several weeks to germinate. Here’s how to plant yarrow:

• From Seeds: Start by sowing yarrow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds should be sprinkled lightly on top of the soil and pressed down gently. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. After the seedlings grow large enough, they can be hardened off and planted in the garden once the danger of frost has passed.

• From Transplants: If you’re starting with yarrow transplants, dig a hole in your garden that’s large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the transplant into the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots.

• From Divisions: If you already have a yarrow plant, you can divide it to propagate new plants. Dig up the plant, divide the root ball into smaller sections, and replant them in new locations.

3. Watering Requirements

While yarrow is a drought-tolerant plant once established, it does require regular watering when first planted. Water your yarrow deeply, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. Once the plant has established a strong root system, it can tolerate dry periods and won’t need frequent watering. However, during extremely hot and dry conditions, occasional watering will help keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

It’s crucial not to overwater yarrow, as the plant is prone to root rot in soggy soil. The key to successful watering is ensuring the soil is well-drained and the plant isn’t left sitting in water.

4. Soil Requirements

Yarrow is adaptable to a variety of soil types but performs best in well-draining, slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 8.0). It tolerates poor soil conditions and can thrive in dry, rocky, or sandy soils. If your soil tends to retain too much water, consider adding sand or organic matter to improve drainage. You can also plant yarrow in raised beds or containers if your garden soil is particularly heavy or clay-like.

5. Fertilizing Yarrow

Yarrow is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers. If your soil is nutrient-poor, you can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the spring. Alternatively, a light application of compost or well-aged manure can also provide the nutrients the plant needs without overwhelming it.

Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms, so keep fertilizing to a minimum. Yarrow naturally thrives in nutrient-poor soil, and overfeeding can weaken the plant’s resilience and reduce its drought tolerance.

6. Pruning and Deadheading

Regular pruning and deadheading are essential for keeping yarrow healthy and promoting continuous blooming. After the flowers start to fade, remove the spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. This will not only keep the plant looking tidy but will also prevent it from becoming too leggy or overrun by seed heads.

In late fall, after the growing season is over, cut back the plant to the ground to tidy up the garden and prevent disease buildup. Yarrow does not require any special winter care, but cutting it back helps maintain its form and health.

7. Managing Pests and Diseases

Yarrow is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, like any plant, it can be susceptible to certain issues, particularly in overly wet conditions. Here are a few common problems to watch for:

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It thrives in humid, wet conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around your plants, and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew appears, remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.

• Aphids: Aphids can occasionally infest yarrow, particularly in the spring when new growth emerges. To manage aphids, simply hose them off with a strong stream of water or treat the plant with insecticidal soap.

• Root Rot: As a plant that thrives in well-drained soil, yarrow is prone to root rot in overly wet or poorly-drained soil. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent this issue.

8. Overwintering Yarrow

Yarrow is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, which means it can survive cold winters in most regions. In colder climates, the plant may die back to the ground in the fall, but it will regenerate in the spring. If you live in a region with severe winters, you can apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect it from the cold. However, yarrow is generally quite hardy and requires little intervention in the winter.

9. Propagating Yarrow

Yarrow can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or divisions. The easiest method is dividing an established plant in the spring or fall. Cuttings can also be taken during the growing season, though they may take longer to establish. If you want to propagate by seed, harvest seeds from the flowers once they have dried and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant.

10. Companion Plants for Yarrow

Yarrow pairs well with a variety of other plants due to its upright growth habit and long blooming season. Consider planting it with other drought-tolerant perennials such as lavender, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans. Yarrow also works well in cottage gardens and naturalized landscapes, where it can spread and blend with native plants.

In addition to its visual appeal, yarrow attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for attracting wildlife to your garden.

Conclusion

Growing and caring for yarrow is simple, making it an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners. By choosing the right location, ensuring well-drained soil, and providing minimal but consistent care, yarrow will thrive and reward you with beautiful, long-lasting blooms. Whether you’re planting it for its ornamental value, its drought tolerance, or its ability to attract pollinators, yarrow is a valuable addition to any garden.