Yarrow Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Achillea in Your Garden

Achillea millefolium Paprika

Achillea, commonly known as Yarrow, is a versatile and hardy perennial valued for its clusters of tiny flowers and feathery foliage. The flowers bloom in a flat, umbrella-like arrangement, and their colours range from soft pastels to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. Achillea is not only beautiful but also a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

This low-maintenance plant is ideal for cottage gardens, perennial gardens, wildflower meadows, and borders. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, lavender, and Echinacea. Its drought tolerance and extended flowering period make it a favourite among gardeners who want vibrant colour with minimal effort.

Achillea Moonshine
Achillea Moonshine by Salicyna is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

All about the plant

Achillea is named after Achilles, the hero of Greek mythology, who is said to have used the plant to treat wounds. This historical association with healing underscores its utility, as it has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Beyond its practical uses, Achillea can thrive in tough conditions, making it a reliable choice for challenging garden spots.

One thing to watch out for is that some varieties, eg Cerise Queen, can spread quite rapidly, both by spreading vegetatively (root spread) and self seeding.

Achillea
Achillea cerise queen by Kor!An (Андрей Корзун) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Key facts

  • Scientific name and any synonyms: Achillea millefolium
  • Meaning of scientific plant name: The genus “Achillea” is named after the Greek hero Achilles, while “millefolium” means “thousand leaves,” referencing its finely divided foliage.
  • Common names: Yarrow, Milfoil
  • Plant family: Asteraceae
  • Place of origin of the plant: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere
  • Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
  • Size: Typically 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) tall and 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide
  • Foliage – Description of foliage: Feathery, fern-like foliage that is aromatic when crushed, usually grey-green or dark green
  • Flower – Description of flower and flowering time: Dense clusters of tiny, flat-topped flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn
  • Fruit – Description of fruit (if any) and fruiting time: Produces small, dry, seed-like fruits after flowering
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans; however, skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals (source: ASPCA).
Achillea 'Terracotta'
Achillea ‘Terracotta’ by john shortland is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Care requirements

Care AspectDetails
Light requirements:Full sun
Water and humidity requirements:Low water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions.
Temperature requirements:Thrives in temperatures between 50–85°F (10–29°C); hardy in USDA zones 3–9 and UK zones H7–H5
Soil requirements:Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Feeding requirements:Minimal feeding required; a light application of compost in spring is sufficient.
Propagation:Propagate by division in spring or autumn; can also be grown from seeds.
Pruning:Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back in late autumn for tidiness.
Pests and diseases:Generally pest-resistant; may occasionally suffer from aphids, powdery mildew, or rust.
Achillea millefolium Paprika
Achillea millefolium Paprika by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Best cultivars

  1. ‘Moonshine’ – Soft lemon-yellow flowers with grey-green foliage; compact, growing to 24 inches (60 cm).
  2. ‘Cerise Queen’ – Vibrant pink flowers with long blooming periods; grows to about 30 inches (75 cm).
  3. ‘Paprika’ – Bright red flowers with yellow centres; grows up to 24 inches (60 cm).
  4. ‘The Beacon’ – Rich scarlet blooms with fern-like foliage; reaches 36 inches (90 cm).
  5. ‘Summer Pastels’ – A mix of pastel shades, including peach, cream, and lavender; grows to 30 inches (75 cm).
  6. ‘Terracotta’ – Golden-orange flowers that fade to soft terracotta tones; grows to 36 inches (90 cm).
  7. ‘Coronation Gold’ – Bright golden-yellow flowers with tall stems; reaches up to 48 inches (120 cm).
  8. ‘Red Velvet’ – Deep red flowers with a long flowering season; grows to 36 inches (90 cm).
  9. ‘Pink Grapefruit’ – Pink blooms with silver-grey foliage; compact variety growing to 18 inches (45 cm).
  10. ‘White Beauty’ – Pure white flowers with finely textured green foliage; grows to 24 inches (60 cm).
Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Propagation

Achillea is best propagated through division or seed. Division involves digging up established clumps in spring or autumn and separating them into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy roots and foliage. These can then be replanted in well-prepared soil.

Seeds can be sown indoors in late winter or directly in the garden after the last frost. Scatter seeds lightly over the soil surface, as they need light to germinate. Germination typically takes 10–14 days at temperatures around 65°F (18°C).

For maintaining specific cultivars, division is the preferred method, as seeds may not produce true-to-type plants.

Achillea
Yarrow Red / Achillea millefolium by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Pests and diseases

Achillea is generally pest-resistant, making it a low-maintenance plant. However, it may occasionally encounter the following issues:

  1. Aphids – These small sap-sucking insects can gather on stems and flower buds. Spray them off with water or apply insecticidal soap.
  2. Powdery Mildew – White, powdery patches on leaves, often caused by high humidity. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
  3. Rust – Orange or brown spots on the foliage. Remove infected leaves and ensure the plant has good airflow.

Maintaining well-drained soil and avoiding excessive watering can prevent most issues.

Featured image at top of page: Achillea millefolium Paprika by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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