Achillea (Yarrow)

Achillea Main Species

Achillea comprises about 85 species, but there are a few that are particularly popular in cultivation for their ornamental properties:

• Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow): This species is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America. It grows up to 1-3 feet tall (30-90 cm) and exhibits fern-like foliage and flat-topped flower clusters, 3 inches (7 cm) wide. Common Yarrow exists in various colors, including pinks, reds, creams, yellows, and bicolor pastels. It has been cultivated since the 15th century and is valued in perennial borders, naturalized areas, and for its cut flowers.
• Achillea filipendulina (Fernleaf Yarrow): Recognizable by its golden-yellow flowers, this species is native to central and southwestern Asia. It is among the tallest yarrows and may grow up to 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall. It forms clumps of feathery, aromatic gray-green leaves from which arise erect stems crowned by large, dense, flat flower heads up to 5 inches (12 cm) wide. It may be used as a specimen plant or massed at the back of the perennial border or in naturalized areas. Excellent as cut flowers or in dried flower arrangements
• Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort, Sneezeweed): This species has white, button-like flowers and is native to Europe. This herbaceous perennial typically grows to 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). It is commonly used in cottage gardens, meadow plantings, and naturalized areas. Its graceful blooms and delicate foliage make it an attractive addition to flower beds, borders, and wildflower gardens.
• Achillea ageratum (Sweet Yarrow): This European species has flat clusters of yellow flowers. It typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) and forms a compact, bushy mound of finely divided, gray-green foliage.
• Achillea clavennae (Silvery Yarrow): This species is native to the mountains of southern Europe. It has silver-grey leaves and white flowers. It typically grows to 10 inches (25 cm). This perennial plant adds a touch of elegance to gardens and is well-suited for rock gardens or dry, sunny areas.

Remember, each species may have different care requirements and characteristics, so it’s important to research the specific species you’re interested in before planting.

Why Should I Grow Yarrow?

Yarrow is a wonderful addition to your garden for several reasons:

• Resilient and Easy to Grow: Yarrow is very hardy and can thrive in various climates and soil types, even in poor, dry soils. This makes it an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Attractive and Diverse Blooms: The blooms of yarrow plants, in an array of colors from white, yellow, pink to red, are not only attractive but also last a long time, often from late spring to late summer.
• Beneficial for Pollinators: Yarrow is a favorite among pollinators. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thus promoting biodiversity in your garden.
• Drought-tolerant: Once established, yarrow plants are highly drought-tolerant, making them perfect for xeriscaping or for areas with water restrictions.
• Great for Cut or Dried Flowers: The long-lasting blooms of yarrow make excellent cut flowers for vases and also dry well for use in arrangements.
• Soil Improver: Yarrow has a deep root system that helps it mine for nutrients in the soil. When the leaves die back, they decompose and improve the quality of the soil.
• Versatility: Yarrow fits well in various types of gardens such as perennial borders, wildflower meadows, rock gardens, or even as ground cover. Its feathery, aromatic foliage and charming flowers provide a beautiful contrast with other plants.

Garden Design with Yarrow

Designing a garden with yarrow offers a myriad of opportunities because of the plant’s versatility, color variety, and textural contrast. Here are some design ideas:

• Perennial Border: Yarrow is a great choice for a mixed perennial border. Its flat-topped flowers create a striking contrast with rounded forms of other perennials, like sedum or daylilies. Different varieties of yarrow come in a wide range of colors that can complement or contrast with other plants in the border.
• Rock Gardens: The drought tolerance and the relatively small size of many yarrow varieties make them perfect for rock gardens. Pair yarrow with other drought-tolerant plants like sedum or lamb’s ear for a garden that thrives in sunny, dry conditions.
• Wildflower Meadows: Yarrow can be a component of a wildflower meadow, where its height allows it to stand out among shorter wildflowers. It’s also a great companion to ornamental grasses.
• Pollinator Gardens: Yarrow is a favorite among many pollinators. Include it in a pollinator-friendly garden design alongside plants like lavender, salvia, and coneflowers.
• Xeriscaping: In areas with water restrictions or for those wanting to conserve water, yarrow is an excellent choice. Combine it with other drought-tolerant plants for a water-wise garden.
• Cutting Gardens: Grow yarrow in your cutting garden. It makes a fantastic cut flower with its long stems and long-lasting blooms. It also dries well for use in dried flower arrangements.

Achillea Companion Plants

Yarrow can be paired with numerous companion plants. When choosing companion plants, consider those that enjoy similar growing conditions (full sun and well-drained soil) and can offer contrasting or complementary forms, textures, and colors. Here are some great options:

• Ornamental Grasses: The delicate, feathery foliage of yarrow pairs beautifully with the bold, upright form of ornamental grasses. Consider pairing with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), or blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens).
• Salvias: The tall spikes of Salvia with their intense colors make a beautiful contrast with the flat-topped clusters of yarrow flowers.
• Sedum: Sedum offers fleshy, often glossy leaves that create a beautiful texture contrast with yarrow’s feathery foliage. The flat flower heads of Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ pair particularly well with yarrow.
• Echinacea: The bold, daisy-like flowers of echinacea (coneflowers) offer a contrasting form to yarrow’s flower clusters. Plus, both plants are loved by pollinators.
• Lavender: Lavender’s silvery foliage and purple flowers complement yarrow’s colors, and both plants enjoy similar growing conditions.
• Rudbeckia: Black-eyed Susans offer a striking color contrast, especially with red and pink yarrows.
• Daylilies: The lush, grass-like foliage and bold flowers of daylilies offer a lovely contrast to yarrow’s delicate leaves and clustered blooms.
• Russian Sage: The airy form and silvery-blue flowers of Russian sage work well with yarrow’s more structured silhouette.

Remember, it’s always important to consider the specific needs of each plant in terms of water, soil, and light to ensure that they can coexist happily.

Achillea Growing Tips

Growing Achillea, or Yarrow, is relatively simple if you follow these steps:

• Planting Site: Achillea prefers a full sun location, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate some shade, but too much can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
• Soil: Achillea prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate poor fertility and dry conditions. Once established, it’s very tolerant of drought, making it a good choice for xeriscaping.
• Watering: Water regularly after planting to help it establish a strong root system. Once established, yarrow is drought tolerant and should only need watering during extended periods of dry weather.
• Feeding: Yarrow doesn’t require much fertilizing. In fact, too much fertility can lead to tall, floppy plants. If your soil is extremely poor, an application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring should suffice.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent your yarrow from spreading by seed. These plants self-seed actively and can naturalize quickly if not monitored. In mid to late summer, plants may become ragged and benefit from a hard cut back to rejuvenate foliage.
• Division: Yarrow plants can spread and may need to be divided every few years to keep them in check. This is best done in early spring or fall.
• Pests/Diseases: Achillea is relatively pest-free. Mildew can occasionally be a problem but can be minimized by planting in full sun and avoiding overhead watering.