Yarrow
achillea millefolium
Also known as: ["Common Yarrow","Milfoil","Nosebleed Plant"]
Overview
A hardy perennial herb with feathery leaves and flat clusters of small, daisy-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","medicinal use"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Achillea |
| Botanical Name: | Achillea millefolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout the season to remove dead blooms.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water at the base to avoid foliage, ensure soil dries between waterings, and avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but may struggle above 85°F (29°C).
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid leggy growth; stop fertilizing before flowering; use organic options like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be sown in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer for stem cuttings; divide clumps in early spring or fall.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity, and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss; can root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead regularly; shear back lightly after flowering.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean blades.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until soil is moist but not waterlogged; allow excess to drain; water early morning or late evening.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or sand to improve drainage; incorporate perlite for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, or dieback in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAchillea millefolium is generally non-toxic to cats. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation due to its natural compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAchillea millefolium is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant contains compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAchillea millefolium is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Yarrow easy to grow?
A: Yes, Yarrow is very easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Q: Does Yarrow attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Yarrow attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens.
Q: Can Yarrow be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Yarrow has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including wound healing and reducing fever.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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