Achillea
( ak - kil - LEE - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationAchillea, 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. In California specifically, blooms are most numerous between the months of May and June. 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.
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Achillea Species and Varietals
The genus Achillea is a member of the family Asteraceae, and includes around 1,000 species. Achillea was named for the Greek mythological character Achilles; his soldiers were said to treat their wounds with this plant. The best growing zones for Yarrow include A1-A3 and 1-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Achillea filipendulina (Fernleaf Yarrow) Native to the Caucasus, this erect plant gets 4-5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with deep green fernlike leaves (hence its common name). Flowers are bright yellow and bloom in flat-topped clusters. Great for flower arrangements and can attract beneficial insects to your yard. 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). |
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Achillea x kellereri Grows into a clumping plant of gray-green fernlike leaves that forms a carpet. It expands over time through rhizomes. 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. |
Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow, Milfoil)
Native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, this highly variable species of Yarrow gets to be 3 feet tall and spreads by runners. It can be invasive, but many nursery-sold varieties are hybrids and will not take over the garden. Green to grey leaves. Varietals are listed below.
Native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, this highly variable species of Yarrow gets to be 3 feet tall and spreads by runners. It can be invasive, but many nursery-sold varieties are hybrids and will not take over the garden. Green to grey leaves. Varietals are listed below.
'Hoffnug'
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'Fanal'
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'Cerise Queen'
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'Lilac Beauty'
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'Apfelblute'
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'Lachsschonheit'
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'Fire King'
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'Fireland'
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'Paprika'
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'Terracotta'
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'Calistoga'
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'Island Pink'
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Achillea 'Moonshine' A popular hybrid, this species forms a 2 foot wide clump of grey leaves that sprout 2 foot tall stems topped with yellow flowers. |
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Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort, Bastard Pellitory, Fair-Maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, White Tansy) This species of Yarrow is native to Europe and Asia and gets to be 2 feet tall and wide. Flowers are white and bloom in clusters. Variety 'The Pearl' (pictured) has double-blooms. |
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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
To care for your Yarrow, it is important to first choose a suitable planting site with well-draining soil. Yarrow likes to be in full sun; otherwise the plant can get a bit 'leggy', and enjoys dry soil conditions. It's great for areas that don't have formal irrigation, in the middle of border plantings or in wildlife gardens; they also do very well in gravel. They do not enjoy wet soil, so ensure that their roots are not sitting in water. To plant them, loosen the soil in the planting bed about 15 inches deep and then mix in 4 inches of compost. Place your Yarrow plants about two feet apart to ensure they have enough room to grow. After they have been placed, dig a hole a little wider and deeper than the pot you purchased them in and then plant your new plant, backfill and water generously. The area around your Yarrow should be composted every year in spring to keep your plants well-fed. These perennial plants will tend to form clumps, so every three to five years your plants will need to be divided and replanted to give them enough space to root. For instructions on how to divide your Yarrow plants, see the Propagation section below. In the springtime, cut back old foliage to encourage new growth, and during the bloom period make sure you deadhead to encourage more blooms to sprout. If you'd like to collect seed for propagation, leave some old flowers on the plant and allow them to come to seed. They will be ready for harvesting in summer or fall. See the section below for instructions on how to propagate your Achillea by seed.
Harvesting Achillea
The foliage and flowers of these plants is sometimes consumed, mostly from the species Achillea millefolium. Foliage is peppery and somewhat bitter, and are used in almost any dish that veggies can be added to. They are also great when added to soups and sauces, and can also just 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 as flavor or decoration.
Avoid consuming Achillea when pregnant or breastfeeding. Coming into contact with leaves or other plant parts can also be irritating to sensitive individuals.
Harvesting Achillea
The foliage and flowers of these plants is sometimes consumed, mostly from the species Achillea millefolium. Foliage is peppery and somewhat bitter, and are used in almost any dish that veggies can be added to. They are also great when added to soups and sauces, and can also just 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 as flavor or decoration.
Avoid consuming Achillea when pregnant or breastfeeding. Coming into contact with leaves or other plant parts can also be irritating to sensitive individuals.
Propagation
Achillea can be propagated in a few ways: through dividing existing clumps of plants, through cuttings or by seed. Follow the instructions below to propagate your Achillea plants.
Propagating Achillea by Division
Division is probably 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). The best soil for Achillea is loamy soil. To propagate your Achillea by division, follow the instructions below:
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. If you are looking for an exact clone of the parent plant, propagate your Achillea by division (as described above) or by cutting (as described below). 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 your flowers. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest in summer or fall, when the flowers have dried and are brown in color. 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:
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 (1/2 peat moss and 1/2 vermiculite), a pot (or pots, depending on how many cuttings you'll be taking), and a pencil. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these instructions:
Propagating Achillea by Division
Division is probably 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). The best soil for Achillea is loamy soil. 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 (for more information on Achillea problems and pests, see the section below) 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 your pot filled with loamy 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. If you are looking for an exact clone of the parent plant, propagate your Achillea by division (as described above) or by cutting (as described below). 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 your flowers. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest in summer or fall, when the flowers have dried and are brown in color. 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 (1/2 peat moss and 1/2 vermiculite).
- Yarrow seeds can be grown in place or started indoors in the late wintertime and then transplanted outside. For best results, start indoors, especially if you live in an area that is prone to frost. If you are growing just a few seeds, you can use a pot, though if you are growing more than just a few, use a growing tray. 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 (1/2 peat moss and 1/2 vermiculite), a pot (or pots, depending on how many cuttings you'll be taking), 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 you take your cutting. Pick a healthy stem tip that has about three or four buds on it and make a 6-inch cutting. Cut quickly and evenly to take the healthiest cutting possible.
- Add potting medium 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 (there's really no need for dipping in rooting hormone) and fill in soil around it. Pat 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.
Achillea dried seed pods ready to be cut off the plant and harvested.
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Achillea seeds.
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Problems and Pests
Yarrow plants are susceptible to a few problems and pests, including:
- Basal or Root Rot
- Powdery Mildew
- Leaf Spots
- Rust
- Aphids
Gallery
Achillea filipendulina 'Coronation Gold'
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Achillea tomentosa 'King George'
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Yellow yarrow looks great when planted with other 'wild' looking flowers, especially those that are purple and blue.
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Videos
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A great introduction to Achillea, including how to grow them.
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A wonderful video about Yarrow.
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How to clean up your Yarrow in the springtime.
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How to grow and prune Yarrow plants.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 132 - 133, Achillea
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