Asteraceae
Yarrow (Achillea): Complete Care Guide
Achillea
Yarrow is an easy-care, low-maintenance perennial that thrives on neglect. Give it full sun, well-drained soil, and infrequent deep watering, and it will reward you with months of pollinator-friendly blooms with almost no fertilizing or pest management needed.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
-15° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Yarrow?
Yarrow (Achillea) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, is a genus of roughly 85 species of flowering perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The most widespread species, Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), forms low mounds of soft, feathery, aromat...
Yarrow grows up to 90cm, spread of 75cm, watering every 10 days, -15°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Yarrow tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Yarrow?
TLDR: Yarrow needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -15-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Yarrow?
Water deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Established plants are drought-tolerant and only need supplemental water during extended dry spells; overwatering in heavy or poorly-drained soil is the most common cause of problems.
How Much Light Does Yarrow Need?
Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun produces the sturdiest stems and most abundant blooms; in partial shade, yarrow tends to grow leggy and flop over.
What Is the Best Soil for Yarrow?
Yarrow tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soil and actually performs worse in rich, fertile ground, which causes weak, floppy growth. Prioritize sharp drainage over fertility; a neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal.
What Pot Should You Use for Yarrow?
Yarrow is best grown in open garden beds rather than containers, but if potted, choose a wide, shallow, unglazed terracotta pot with generous drainage holes to keep roots from sitting in moisture.
What Is Yarrow and Where Does It Come From?
Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, is a genus of roughly 85 species of flowering perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The most widespread species, Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), forms low mounds of soft, feathery, aromatic foliage topped by flat-headed clusters of tiny flowers in white, yellow, pink, or red, blooming from late spring through summer. Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant, yarrow spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies and is prized by pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, and herbalists alike.
How to Propagate Yarrow?
Clump Division
Divide every 2-3 years to keep clumps vigorous and prevent overcrowding; use a sharp, clean spade or knife to minimize root damage.
- 1 Dig up an established clump in early spring or fall
- 2 Gently pull or cut the root mass into sections, each with several shoots and roots
- 3 Replant divisions immediately at the same depth, spaced 30-45 cm apart
- 4 Water well until new growth appears
Materials needed:
Seed Sowing
Seeds germinate best at 18-24C; fresh seed germinates faster than older stock.
- 1 Press seeds lightly onto the soil surface without covering, as they need light to germinate
- 2 Keep the soil consistently moist until germination
- 3 Thin seedlings once they have 2-3 true leaves
- 4 Transplant outdoors after the last frost
Materials needed:
How Big Does Yarrow Grow?
TLDR: Yarrow can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
75cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used to stop minor bleeding and promote wound healing
- Brewed as a tea to ease digestive discomfort and reduce fever
- Used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves added sparingly to salads for a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor
- Dried flowers and leaves steeped as an herbal tea
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Yarrow?
TLDR: Yarrow is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Named for the Greek hero Achilles, who legend says used yarrow to staunch his soldiers' wounds. It has long symbolized healing, protection, courage, and everlasting love, and was traditionally carried as a charm against illness and misfortune.
Fun Facts
The genus name Achillea honors the Greek hero Achilles, said to have used the plant to treat battle wounds.
Yarrow's finely divided, fern-like leaves gave rise to its species name millefolium, meaning thousand leaves.
Yarrow flowers attract over 40 species of beneficial pollinators, including bees, wasps, and hoverflies.
Frequently asked questions
Is yarrow toxic to pets?
Does yarrow need fertilizer?
How do I stop yarrow from spreading too much?
How often should I water yarrow?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- How to Grow Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Old Farmer's Almanac
- Yarrow - A Complete Grow & Care Guide (Achillea millefolium)
- Keep Your Achillea Millefolium Alive: Light, Water & Care Instructions
- Caracteristicas y cuidados de la Milenrama o Achillea millefolium
- Mil-folhas (Achillea millefolium) - Cultivando
- Mil Folhas (Achillea millefolium) - Sitio da Mata
