Yarrow White or Yellow

Achillea millefolium

Characteristics

Culture

Best grown in lean, dry to medium, well-drained sandy loams, Yarrow White or Yellow plants prefer full sun. They do well in average garden soils and tolerate poor soils as long as drainage is good. Plants also tolerate hot, humid summers and drought; and if grown ornamentally, plants are best sited in locations protected from strong winds.

Plant stems tend to flop, particularly in hot, humid climates or if grown in moist, rich soils. Consider cutting back Yarrow White or Yellow stems in late spring before flowering to reduce overall plant height. Cutting plants back to lateral flower buds after initial flowering will tidy the planting and encourage additional bloom. Plants may also be cut back to basal foliage after bloom. Divide clumps as needed (every 2-3 years) to maintain vitality of the planting. Plants spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, and can naturalize into substantial colonies if left unchecked.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Achillea millefolium, commonly called common yarrow, is a rhizomatous, spreading, upright to mat-forming perennial that is considered by many to be an aggressive weed. Common yarrow from Europe and Asia was originally introduced to America in colonial times, and has since naturalized throughout the U. S. primarily along roadsides, fields, waste areas and lawns. These species plants are noted for producing deeply-dissected, fern-like, aromatic, medium green foliage and tiny, long-lasting, white flowers that appear in dense, flattened, compound corymbs (to 2-4” across) throughout the summer on stems typically rising 2-3’ tall.

Foliage has a strong, somewhat spicy aroma that persists when used in dried arrangements. Species plants are uncommonly sold in commerce, however. It is the cultivars and hybrids of common yarrow, most of which have stronger stems, more upright habits and larger flowers, that have become popular flowering plants for ornamental gardens. Cultivars also extend the range of flower colors to include pinks, reds, creams, yellows and bicolor pastels.

Problems

Stem rot, powdery mildew and rust are occasional disease problems. May spread somewhat aggressively.

Garden Uses

Cottage gardens, wild gardens, meadows, prairies and naturalized areas. Good fresh cut or dried flower.