Yarrow, also known as Achillea, is one of the easiest grown and most popular flower garden mainstays in the world. Originally from Europe, the yarrow is found in the wild throughout North America. The yarrow is known for its distinctive large, flat clusters of flowers on the top of its stem. Yarrow comes in white, yellow, orange, pink or red and can be used as filler or as a border. Yarrow ranges in height from 6 to 36 inches and has very aromatic foliage. This article will discuss how to grow yarrow in the flower garden.
Due to its adaptively the yarrow can survive in a range of locations. USDA hardiness ranges from Zone 3 to 9 but most cultivars prefer Zone 4 to 8. In areas that see temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the stems tend to be weaker and flower colors fade.
The yarrow is an easy plant to grow in your flower garden because it readily adapts to a wide variety of conditions, is a vigorous strong grower and is likely to spread. The plant does best in poor soils and reacts negatively to fertilization. Full sun and a well-draining soil are the other requisites. Once established, many of the cultivars of yarrow are drought resistant. Even though yarrow likes to spread control it by removing runners as needed.
Typically, yarrow is grown using the direct sow method. Evenly place the seeds in your garden and cover with a thin layer of soil. This should be done after the danger of frost in an area that receives full sun, or in late summer 12 weeks prior to the ground freezing. The area should be kept evenly moist and the seedlings should spout in 14 to 21 days.
Achillea millefolium ‘Pomegranate’
Maintenance of the yarrow is beyond easy. With relatively no pests or diseases to speak of, the plant requires only regular watering to get established and then an occasional deep drink. A complete plant food should be given when the plant begins new growth in the spring. Every 2 to 3 years in the spring, lift and divide the established clumps of yarrow. Plant the new divisions 8 to 12 inches apart. Give the new divisions plenty of water to get established.
Yarrow will bloom throughout the summer and into early fall. To ensure continuous blooming of the flowers remove, or deadhead, the spent flowers. The blooms make ideal fresh cut or dried flowers. The flowers also attract butterflies to your flower garden.
As one of the easiest flowers to grow and maintain the yarrow should be one of your flower gardening staples. They make the most splendid borders and come in so many colors they can accent any other flower you can think if using.
