Achillea

( ak - ih - LEE - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Achillea, commonly called Yarrow, Allheal or Bloodwort, is a durable perennial flower that needs full sun and little to moderate water. These flowers will attract bees and butterflies and are one of the most profuse bloomers for summer and early fall. They are great as cut flowers; Yarrow leaves are aromatic, feathery and finely divided and flowers are tiny but bloom in large clusters, providing long-lasting color to arrangements. Use Achillea in mixed beds and borders or containers in Pollinator, Cottage, Informal, Cut Flower, or Wildlife gardens. Take care when planting Achillea in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic to pets and pregnant individuals and can cause skin reactions in sensitive people.

Achillea Species and Varietals

The genus Achillea is a member of the family Asteraceae, and includes around 1,000 species. The genus was named for the Greek mythological character Achilles; his soldiers were said to treat their wounds with this plant. The genus has many different common names, including Carpenter's Weed, Devil's Nettle, Milfoil, Nose Bleed, Oldman's Pepper, Sanguinary, Soldier's Wounwort, Stenchgrass, and Thousand Leaf. The best growing zones for Yarrow include USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and Sunset growing zones A1-A3 and 1-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Achillea ageratifolia (Balkan Yarrow, Greek Yarrow)
This species of Yarrow is native to Bulgaria and Greece, and reaches about 8 inches tall and wide at maturity. Plants in the species are highly variable, but typically have woody-based stems, narrow grey-green foliage and white flowers with yellow centers. Blooms are present in May through July.

Achillea ageratum (Sweet Yarrow, Sweet-Nancy, English Mace, Sweet Maudlin)
This species is native to southern Europe and Morocco. It is commonly cultivated in the state of New York, New York, USA and has a pleasant fragrance. These plants have naturalized in a few areas outside of their native range but are not considered invasive. Leaves can be chopped and used as an herb to flavor soups and stews. Individual plants reach up to 12-18 inches tall and produce yellow flowers.

Achillea alpina (Alpine Yarrow, Chinese Yarrow, Siberian Yarrow)
This species of Yarrow is native to Siberia, eastern Russia, China, Mongolia, Japan, Nepal, Korea, Canada, and the northern United States. It forms a perennial herb up to 2 feet tall when mature and in bloom. Flowers are white to pale violet in color, and foliage is green to grey-green. These plants typically grow in thickets along shorelines and in meadows along the exterior of wooded areas.

Achillea atrata (Black Yarrow, Dark Stemmed Sneezewort)
This species is native to alpine regions in Europe (Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia). They form herbaceous perennials with green foliage and white flowers, reaching up to just 2-10 inches tall at maturity.

Achillea filipendulina (Fernleaf Yarrow, Soldiers Woundwort, Milfoil, Nosebleed)
This species is native to the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Turkey. This erect plant reaches 4-5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with deep green fernlike leaves. Flowers are bright yellow and bloom in flat-topped clusters. They make great cut flowers. Varieties include 'Cloth of Gold' (bright golden flowers), 'Gold Plate' (bright golden flowers), 'Parker's Variety' (a strong, erect grower to 4 feet tall with golden yellow flowers), and hybrid 'Coronation Gold' (3 feet tall, 1.5 feet wide, with silvery grey leaves and large golden yellow flower clusters).

Achillea x kellereri (Keller's Yarrow, Hybrid Yarrow, White Daisy Yarrow)
This hybrid species grows into a clumping plant with gray-green fernlike leaves that forms a low carpet. It expands over time through underground rhizome roots. Flowers are small and white with yellow centers, and group in clusters at the end of 6-8 inch tall stems. This is considered a miniature yarrow, and is fantastic in mixed planters and containers.

Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow, Milfoil)
Native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, this highly variable species of Yarrow tops out at 3 feet tall and spreads by runners. It can be invasive, but many nursery-sold varieties are hybrids that have been bred to not take over the garden. These plants produce green to grey-green leaves. Varietals are listed below.

'Hoffnug'

'Fanal'

'Cerise Queen'

'Lilac Beauty'

'Apfelblute'

'Lachsschonheit'

'Fire King'

'Fireland'

'Paprika'

'Terracotta'

'Calistoga'

'Island Pink'

Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort, Sneezeweed, Bastard Pellitory, European Pellitory, Fair-Maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, Sneezewort Yarrow, Wild Pellitory, White Tansy)
This species of Yarrow is native to Europe and Asia and reaches 2 feet tall and wide at maturity when in bloom. Flowers are white and bloom in clusters. Variety 'The Pearl' (pictured) has eye-catching double blooms.

Achillea tomentosa (Woolly Yarrow)
This native of Europe and Asia creates a spreading mat of gray-green, hairy leaves. 6-10 inch long stems are topped with golden flower clusters. Makes a great groundcover and is useful in rock gardens. Varieties include 'Aurea' (a vigorous grower with lemon yellow flowers), and 'King George' (lower-growing than the species with greyer foliage and creamy yellow blooms).

Caring for Achillea

Take care to wear personal protective equipment like gloves when working with Achillea plants in the garden; their parts can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Achillea plants can be grown from seed (direct-sown or started indoors) or be purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. Yarrow flowers like to be situated in full sun; otherwise the plants can get a bit 'leggy'. Ideally, they like to get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Plant Yarrow between 1 and 2 feet apart for best coverage and airflow. These plants will form clumps or colonies over time, so ensure that the planting area can accommodate this habit. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Yarrow plants are considered drought-tolerant, and can get by on rainwater alone for most of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of dry weather. They do not need to be planted in an area that has formal irrigation.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Yarrow plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and blooming seasons. Deadhead spent flower inflorescences as they fade, especially to discourage re-seeding (if you will be harvesting seeds later on for propagation, make sure to leave a few flowering heads on the plant to mature). This will encourage plants to send out more flowers. To give the plant a rejuvenation, cut it back by half in summertime. These plants have a tendency to get a bit leggy, especially late in the season or if they are grown in too much shade. In late fall or early winter when the plant enters dormancy, cut the plant back to the basal leaves. Every 3-5 years, Achillea plants will need to be divided, especially if they are grown in a cramped or narrow bed. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Yarrow plant, see the Propagation section below.

Growing Achillea in Containers
Achillea plants can be grown directly in the garden or cultivated in containers. Choose a pot that is at least two inches larger than the nursery pot the plant comes in. If growing Achillea from seed in a container, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter. The pot should have excellent drainage holes on the bottom. Fill with a standard potting mix, and apply a layer of mulch to the top of the container to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Place the container in a spot that receives full sun; these plants like to get between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day. Yarrow grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Divide plants every 3 years for best results; for instructions on how to divide a Yarrow plant, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Achillea
Achillea, or Yarrow, plants are grown for their sweet fragrance, beautiful blooms, and edible qualities. As cut flowers, Achillea provides large, broad sprays of tiny colorful flowers. They combine well with many different types of flowers. A species typically grown for its cut flowers is Achillea millefolium, which has a wide variety of flower colors to choose from. Taller varieties are useful in arrangements. Harvest Achillea just after all flowers have opened on a head, but before they start turning brown. The best time to harvest is in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are at their coolest. Cut flower stems at their base using sharp, clean shears or snips, remove the lower leaves from the stem, and drop them in a bucket of cool water. The vase life of Achillea cut flowers varies a bit, from just three days to two weeks or more, depending on growing conditions and post-cutting treatment.

The foliage and flowers of Achillea plants are consumed, mainly from the species Achillea ageratum and Achillea millefolium. Foliage is peppery and somewhat bitter, and is used in almost any dish that veggies can be added to. They are commonly added to soups and sauces, and can simply be boiled and buttered and served as a side dish (similar to Spinach). Flower tops can bring aroma and flavor to salads, and can also be sprinkled over the top of dishes and beverages as flavor or decoration. Avoid consuming Achillea when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Achillea, or Yarrow, plants can be propagated through division of existing plants, cuttings, or via seed. These plants will cross-pollinate readily, leading to genetic diversity and color variations in the resulting offspring. To create a plant that has the exact same characteristics as the parent plant, use the division or cutting methods. To propagate your Yarrow plant, follow the instructions below.

Propagating Achillea by Division
Division is the easiest way to propagate these plants. The idea behind this method is that you are taking an existing clump of live plants and breaking it into smaller segments. This is something you will want to do whether or not you are looking to propagate your Achillea, as they need to be divided every three to five years to keep them healthy. Otherwise, the roots will become too crowded. Division of Achillea should be attempted only when the plant is not in its blooming period. To use this method, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw, extra pots (10 or 12 inches will do) if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots (again, if you will not be planting your divisions directly into the ground). To propagate your Achillea by division, follow the instructions below:

Identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Once you've gotten your clump of Achillea out of the ground, lay it out on its side.
Divide the clump into segments, either with your shovel or with a pruning saw, as many as you'd like as long as there are at least three 'shoots' per segment. Inspect each segment to ensure health and lay them out on the ground.
If you will be planting your Achillea in the ground, this is when you'll prepare your new hole. Dig a hole (large enough to accommodate the root ball of the clump you are planting) in the ground with your shovel in a sunny location with soil that is well-draining. If you have issues with drainage in your garden, amend with loamy soil before planting. Backfill and water generously.
If you are transporting your division elsewhere, or hanging on to it until you're ready to plant it, you'll need a pot filled with soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of your division, and place your new plant in the soil. Water generously, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the pot in a sunny location until you are ready to plant it in the ground.

Propagating Achillea by Seed
Before trying this method, keep in mind that propagation of Achillea by seed does not ensure that you will end up with the exact same plant as you harvested the seed from. To complete this propagation method, you will need to allow your Yarrow flowers to stay on the plant long enough to come to seed, so do not completely deadhead all of them. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest in summer or fall, when the flowers have dried and turned brown. Cut the flower heads off of your plant at this time, and take the seeds out of their pods. For pictures of the dried flowers and seeds, see the images below. The seeds are able to be stored for up to 2 years in a cool, dark place. To grow Achillea from seed, follow these directions:

Gather your materials. You will need a pot or seed tray and planting medium. A good potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Yarrow seeds can be direct-sown or started indoors in the late wintertime and then transplanted outside after the last frost of spring. For best results, start indoors, especially if you live in an area that is prone to frost. Prepare your pot or growing tray by filling it with potting medium.
Place your seeds on top of the potting mix, spaced about 4- 6 inches apart. Sprinkle potting medium over the top until the seeds are just lightly dusted. As the seeds are starting out, it is best to use a spray bottle to add moisture to avoid uncovering their light soil topping. Keep the soil moist as the seeds develop, using a seed tray cover or plastic to cover your pot to keep moisture in and humidity high.
Continue to monitor for moisture and adequate soil covering until the seeds start to sprout, which should take 20-45 days. Once the chance of frost has passed by, seedlings can be transplanted to a sunny area of the garden. Keep the soil moist as the plant develops.

Propagating Achillea by Cutting
The best time to take cuttings from an existing Yarrow plant is in late spring or summer. To propagate your Yarrow by cutting, you'll need clean, sharpened garden shears, potting mix, a pot, and a pencil. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these instructions:

Choose an Achillea plant to propagate. It should be a healthy plant with new growth and should get some water the night before cuttings are taken. Pick a healthy stem tip that has three or four buds on it and make a 6-inch cutting. Cut quickly and evenly with sharp, clean snips or shears to take the healthiest cutting possible.
Add potting medium (1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss) to your pot, and give it some water, ensuring that it has good drainage. Make a hole with your pencil in the medium, about two inches down. Place your cutting in the hole and fill in soil around it. Achillea cuttings do not need to be dipped in rooting hormone, as they typically will root readily on their own. Pat soil down just enough so the cutting stands up by itself. Give it some water.
Keep the soil around your plant somewhat moist as it grows, and ensure that it is in a place that gets bright indirect light and stays at a temperature of between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the danger of frost has passed the next spring, you can transplant your cutting to its final home outdoors.