Achillea millefolium is a carefree plant native to North America, popular with pollinators and gardeners who want to create a laid-back relaxation space in their backyard. Yarrow plants have been around for quite some time. In Ancient Europe and Asia, Achillea millefolium was sought-after for its medicinal, culinary, and magical properties. The name ‘Achillea’ comes from the Greek legend of Achilles of Troy who used the herb to treat his wounded soldiers and stop the bleeding.
This perennial flower goes by many names, such as ‘Soldier’s wound wort’, ‘Nosebleed plant’,’ Knight’s milfoil’, ‘Old man’s pepper’, ‘Sneezewort’, and ‘Herbe de St. Joseph’. In Southwestern U.S., it’s often called ‘plumajillo’, due to its feathery foliage. Yarrow is a hardy and versatile plant, making it perfect for open meadows, borders, and ground covers. Moreover, it is drought-resistant, pest-resistant, great for cutting and drying, and it attracts pollinators.
Achillea millefolium is also an aromatic herb, its dried leaves and flowers can be brewed to make a sweet, mildly bitter tea, infused into oils, or preserved in tinctures. If you want a beautiful, low-maintenance ornamental plant that has a lot to offer, the Common Yarrow could be an excellent choice for your garden.
From this article, you’ll learn how to cultivate, propagate, and maintain Yarrow Plants in your garden.
About Achillea Millefolium
- Achillea Millefolium is native to the temperate regions of Northern Asia and Europe where it can be found in meadows, dry soils of prairies, and edges of forests. The plant was introduced to North America by early colonists.
- There is evidence that indicated humans used Achillea Millefolium as far back as the time of the Neanderthals. Fossilized pollen was found at burial sites in Iraq.
- The genus Achillea comprises approximately 100 species. According to Wanda MacLachlan at the University of Maryland, A. millefolium, A. taygetea, A. clypeolata, A. ptarmica, and A. ptarmica have been hybridized to create most cultivars found today.
- The blooms of Yarrow plants can be easily dried and used as cut flowers to decorate the interior of your home. A. filipendulina is one of the best types for cutting.
- Both the dried flowers and leaves are edible. Yarrow tea can be used to alleviate mild symptoms of colds or for minor digestive complaints.
- Infused oil with Achillea Millefolium can be used to alleviate inflamed muscles, superficial wounds, and bruises.
- Achillea Millefolium has a lot to offer, but it can also become an invasive species that can aggressively take over your garden, so make sure you plant it responsibly.
- Common Yarrow is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. It can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhoea, and other symptoms. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume the plant. Touching Yarrow can cause skin rashes in rare cases.
Achillea Millefolium Features: An Overview
- Originally, Achillea Millefolium flowers only came in whites and creams. However, today you can find cultivars in lots of other colours such as rich reds, soft pinks, warm apricot, and bright yellows.
- Yarrow plants have wide, flat heads that can reach 4 inches (10 cm) across. They are densely packed with tiny colourful flowers that rise above clusters of silver-grey or green foliage. Some varieties have small, button-shaped flowers.
- Achillea Millefolium has deep roots and strong, stiff stems. The foliage is soft, deeply serrated, and covered with light fuzz.
- The best time to plant Yarrow is in the fall, so they have time to grow and reach their maximum size of 3 feet (90 cm) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide.
- Yarrow plants can be successfully grown in the USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9 as long as their soil, light, and temperature needs are properly met.
- The Common Yarrow has a long flowering period, starting mid-summer and well into fall. It will flower longer if dead-headed.
- Yarrow plants can be planted under fruit trees to attract beneficial insects and enhance fruit production. You can also add it to the compost bin or chop it and use it as mulch in the garden.
Growing Achillea Millefolium
Achillea Millefolium is easy to grow and low-maintenance, making it a great project for beginner gardeners. This sturdy flower requires little effort and will thrive even in dry gardens. However, Yarrows do not appreciate wet soils, so make sure the soil is well-drained and it does not sit in water for too long.
A. Millefolium loves sunlight, and although it can grow in partial shade, it will do best in full sun. If the plant doesn’t receive enough sunlight, the stems become long, thin, and floppy so you will have to stake them.
Too much shade can lead to diseases such as botrytis mold and powdery mildew. Both will appear as white powder on the foliage. Luckily, this is mostly a cosmetic problem, so your plants are unlikely to die from it. You can apply a fungicide to treat this problem. Yarrows are usually pest-free, though they are susceptible to spittlebugs. If you notice a large number of these bugs, hose them off with water and then apply an insecticide under high pressure.
The Common Yarrow is an excellent choice for cottage gardens and mixed borders. You can plant it in groups of five and choose the colours that you love most. Dwarf kinds are suitable for rock gardens and as ground cover. They add a natural, wild charm to informal gardens and attract insects such as butterflies.
Some Achillea Millefolium varieties spread quite aggressively by growing underground rhizomes. These rhizomes can create heavy mats of foliage and roots, which can be a good thing if you are looking to suppress weeds. However, other plants you are trying to grow in the garden can be affected. If you are worried about this, choose a less aggressive variety and plant where you can easily contain the spread.
Yarrow plants need to be pruned regularly so that they can continuously bloom. This also prevents flopping and reduces the plant’s height. Pruning will keep this invasive plant in check by preventing self-sowing. The best time to cut off deadheads is in mid-summer when the flowers start to fade. Dead-heading will encourage most varieties to produce another round of flowers.
Planting Achillea Millefolium
Yarrow plants appreciate a sandy, of average to poor quality soil with a pH between 4.0 and 8.0. A 6.4 pH is considered ideal. Although the soil quality can be poor, the drainage must be exceptional. Achillea Millefolium is one of the few plants that don’t prefer fertile soil. Of course, it can survive in organically rich soil, but it will probably grow too fast and become leggy. Avoid fertilizers and instead side-dress with compost once per year.
If you buy it as a mature plant, wait before the danger of frost has passed before transplanting it to your garden. Choose an area that will receive direct sun at least 5 hours per day. Start by loosening the soil with a garden fork about 14 inches (35 cm) deep and add 3 inches (7 cm) of compost. Mix it in well and then add the Yarrow. You should space them 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) apart so they have room to spread after getting established.
Watering Achillea Millefolium
Whether you start with new plants, seeds, tip-cuttings, or divisions, the general rule is that you should give extra water if the garden receives less than 1 inch (2,54 cm) of rain per week. This will help Yarrow plants establish a strong root system. If you get an inch from rain, you can skip additional irrigation.
Once the plants are established, they become drought-resistant. However, in case of a prolonged dry spell, help them out with some water – they will surely be thankful for it and reward you with beautiful blooms and green foliage!
Propagating Achillea Millefolium
If you love your Achillea Millefolium and just want more of it, you should know that propagating it is easy and rewarding. There are three recommended methods for propagating Yarrow plants: from seed, by division, and from tip cuttings.
If you want to start A. Millefolium from seeds indoors, keep in mind that germination takes approximately 2 weeks. Sow the seed in February or March in seed trays with a well-draining potting mix. Make sure to keep the seeds warm and moist. Once sprouted, you can transplant the strongest plants to individual pots and apply a nitrogen fertilizer.
If the danger of frost has passed, you can sow the seeds directly into the garden, although this will mean getting blooms only in the second year. Keep in mind that seeds dropped by your Yarrow plants may not replicate the traits of the parent. Only true botanical species can produce true seeds.
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- Botanical Characteristics: White yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, features clusters of small, white flowers atop fern-like, aromatic foliage. Each flower head is actually composed of numerous tiny florets, forming a flat-topped corymb.
- Medicinal Uses: Historically, white yarrow has been used for its medicinal properties. It's known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic qualities. It has been used to treat wounds, reduce inflammation, and ease digestive issues. Teas made from yarrow are often consumed for these health benefits.
- Ecological Role: White yarrow is beneficial for ecosystems as it attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Its flowers provide nectar over a long period, supporting biodiversity in gardens and natural landscapes.
- Ornamental Use: In gardening, white yarrow is prized for its hardiness, drought resistance, and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions. Its flowers can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding a touch of rustic charm. It's also used in landscaping for erosion control due to its deep root system.
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- HARDY PERENNIAL & IDEAL FOR FULL SUN: Our Wild White Yarrow seeds for planting is a tough perennial that thrives in USDA zones 4-9. It flourishes in full sun, making it an ideal addition to sunny areas, wildflower gardens, meadows, and natural landscapes.
- ATTRACTIVE WHITE FLOWERS & POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY: This Yarrow blooms from late spring through summer, showcasing vibrant white flower clusters. These fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a perfect choice for pollinator gardens and fireflies in the garden.
- DROUGHT-TOLERANT & LOW MAINTENANCE: Yarrow’s deep root system allows it to thrive with minimal watering, making it drought-tolerant and perfect for xeriscaping. Once established, it requires little care, is resistant to pests, and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Ideal for edible plants survival guide gardens and low-maintenance landscapes.
- PLANTING & SPACING RECOMMENDATIONS: For successful growth, sow Yarrow flower seed packets directly outdoors after the last frost. Plant seeds in well-drained soil, pressing them lightly into the surface without covering them. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow healthy growth and airflow. Great for planting in large areas or creating wildflower meadows.
- RESILIENT & VERSATILE IN SOIL: Yarrow herb grows well in poor, well-drained soil, making it adaptable to a variety of garden conditions. Whether you have sandy, rocky, or clay soil, Yarrow will thrive, providing a hardy and low-maintenance addition to your garden. Excellent for live trees for outdoor planting and ornamental grasses live plants perennial landscapes.
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Dividing your Yarrow plants is not only a great propagation method, but it also helps increase airflow and rejuvenate them. Every 3 years or so, divide the plants before new shoots appear or before the growing season starts, usually in late winter or early spring. This is a great propagation method because you make sure you are getting the same traits as the parent plant.
To propagate A. Millefolium from cuttings, take a clean, sharp knife and cut a 6 inch (15 cm) stem of new growth at the fourth leaf node counting from top to bottom. Remove the lower leaves and place the stem into the potting mix. Place it in a sunny, dry location. If new growth is noticeable, the plant has rooted and it is ready for transplanting in the garden.
In Conclusion
Achillea Millefolium is a beautiful, no-fuss plant that has a lot to offer, making a great project for beginner gardeners. We love the fact that this sturdy plant requires little to no effort, as it is drought-resistant and loves sunlight. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to its care requirements.
The secret to happy Yarrow is poor, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. From time to time, your plants might need some extra water, especially during prolonged dry spells. Propagating Achillea Millefolium is easy, although you might get more than you asked for, due to their invasive nature.
1 Comment
The darker colored yarrow can also be used for natural dyeing of wool, etc.