Tips On Growing Achillea (Yarrow)

Achillea (Yarrow) are long-blooming, Old World perennials that are exceptionally easy-to-grow and provide ample nectar for butterflies. They are resistant to browsing rabbits and deer. Most are tall, upright growers with the exception of evergreen Achillea ageratifolia (Greek yarrow) and Achillea millifolium ‘Sonoma Coast,' which are groundcovers.

Preferred growing conditions:

• These perennials grow in most any type of soil including clay.
• Should be mulched in dry climates with most any type of mulch materials including gravel in xeric plantings.
• Only requires deep but infrequent watering after their second growing season. Too much water makes them floppy.
• Plant in full, hot sun.
• Adding just a few handfuls of compost and Yum Yum Mix in the planting hole is enough. Avoid planting into a rich, highly-amended soil; they don't need it and it can make them floppy.

Special comments:

• Deadhead plants to prolong bloom.
• Achillea millifolium 'Sonoma Coast' is a superior lawn grass replacement and should be mowed to deadhead it after blooming in early summer. This keeps the foliage tidy and looking good.

Garden care:

• Fertilize Achillea once in fall with Yum Yum Mix and Planters II.
• Leave Yarrow standing over the winter. They have ornamental flower heads that catch the snow providing winter interest. Cut back to 1-2" inches above the soil in mid-spring when the plants begin to wake up.
• Achillea ageratifolia (Greek yarrow) is an evergreen groundcover that should NOT be cut back other than to deadhead it in early to mid-summer to encourage re-blooming.
• Plants can be divided in mid-spring when clumps die-out in the center or become too large for their place in the garden.