by GraMarie Walker

Created on: March 12, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an attractive perennial herb that is very easy to grow. This undemanding plant will do well in zones 3 10 and provide showy flat heads of flowers from as early as May in some areas, through the first hard frost. Yarrow is prized for its medicinal properties, as well as use in fresh and dried flower arrangements. It helps repel insect pests in the garden while attracting many beneficial insects.

DESCRIPTION: Yarrow is an erect plant producing several stems with feathery or ferny leaves and spreading through seed and rhizomes. These plants can range from 6" to 48" tall. It blooms from May through October, depending on area. The small flowers present in flat clusters that can be from 2" to 6" across. There are several varieties available with bloom colors including white, pink, lilac, bright yellow, gold, red and purple.

HABITAT: Yarrow will grow in most soils and a wide variety of conditions. It prefers dry or well-drained locations with full sun and medium to poor soil. Too much shade and very fertile soil can lead to leggy plants requiring staking or support for the blooms. You will find adapted or wild yarrow growing in the disturbed soils of fields and along roadways in many areas of Europe and North America.

PROPAGATION: Seed, nursery plants, root division and woody cuttings in fall and spring.
_ Growing from seed can require up to two years to produce well-established, showy plants. Soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. Seeds should be sown in tilled ground and covered with no more than about 1/8" topsoil. Keep lightly moist until you see the first set of leaves, then water weekly. With temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees, germination will take 8 to 14 days. Thin seedlings to 1' apart for best growth.
_ Plants purchased through nurseries and garden centers may be planted after your location's last frost date. Depending on variety, they should be spaced 1' to 2' apart and at the same depth as provided in the pot.
_ Root division may be done in the spring as plants become crowded. Carefully loosening the soil around one side of a plant, gently pull a clump away from the rest. If necessary, use a sharp, clean knife to cut the root ball. Transplant the portion removed in the desired location or into a container, covering the roots to the stem base, gently tamping the soil and watering well.
_ Cuttings taken in the early spring can be rooted in damp potting soil or water. Woody cuttings taken in the fall will usually do better if

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>