Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial flowering plant that is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the daisy family and has feathery, fern-like foliage and clusters of small, white, yellow, pink, or red flowers. It is a low-growing plant that typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and can spread up to 2 feet wide. Yarrow is a hardy plant that is drought tolerant and deer resistant. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also valued for its medicinal properties.
Planning Your Garden With Yarrow
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Yarrow is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Yarrow is a very hardy plant and can tolerate temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | Yarrow typically takes between 60 and 90 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown yarrow plant is between 1 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Yarrow prefers well-drained soil in full sun and should be spaced 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Yarrow is tolerant of full sun to partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Yarrow is tolerant of full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates. |
| Water requirements | Yarrow is a drought tolerant plant, so it only requires occasional watering. During the summer months, water the plant once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In the winter, water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry. Over-watering can cause root rot and other problems. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing yarrow depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | Yarrow prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Yarrow is Popular
People like to grow yarrow because it is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial with attractive foliage and flowers. It's also a great plant for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. Yarrow is also valued for its medicinal properties, and its leaves can be used to make a tea that can help reduce inflammation and aid digestion.
Companion Plants For Yarrow
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for yarrow include:
Common Pests For Yarrow
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow yarrow, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
