Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Named after Achilles, who reportedly used it on battlefield wounds — the leaves contain compounds that genuinely slow bleeding, earning it the folk name "soldier's woundwort."
How to care for yarrow
Plant in poor soil with sharp drainage — rich soil makes yarrow flop and spread aggressively. Cut spent flowers back to a fresh leaf node to rebloom, and divide every 2-3 years to control spread.
Garden uses & design ideas
Best garden use
Use yarrow as a repeatable, low-water filler through sunny borders and hellstrips, where flat flower clusters bridge grasses, lavender, and coneflowers without needing rich soil.
Pair it with
Echinacea, Lavender, Russian sage make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.
Layout tip
Match it with full sun exposure, group it with other low-water plants so one irrigation zone can stay lean, and check USDA zones 3-9 before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 2-3 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide. Regional note: In rich or irrigated soil yarrow can flop or spread aggressively; divide or thin clumps before they crowd smaller neighbors.
Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas. Regional note: In rich or irrigated soil yarrow can flop or spread aggressively; divide or thin clumps before they crowd smaller neighbors. Safety note: Some people develop skin sensitivity, and livestock/pet ingestion should be avoided; wear gloves if you react to daisy-family plants.
Companion plants
Yarrow grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.
Common pests & problems
Where it grows best
Native to Northern Hemisphere temperate zones; thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Frequently asked about yarrow
What USDA zones does Yarrow grow in?+
Yarrow is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.
How much sun does Yarrow need?+
Yarrow prefers full sun. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and flowering.
How often should I water Yarrow?+
Yarrow has low water needs. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Plant in poor soil with sharp drainage — rich soil makes yarrow flop and spread aggressively. Cut spent flowers back to a fresh leaf node to rebloom, and divide every 2-3 years to control spread.
How big does Yarrow get?+
Yarrow reaches a mature size of 2-3 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide. Growth rate is fast, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.
What plants grow well with Yarrow?+
Yarrow pairs well with Echinacea, Lavender, Russian sage, Salvia, Sedum. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.
What pests affect Yarrow?+
Common Yarrow problems include powdery mildew; aphids; spittlebugs. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.
When does Yarrow bloom?+
Yarrow blooms in early summer to fall in yellow, pink, red, white. Deadheading spent flowers (where applicable) often encourages a longer bloom window.
Design a garden with yarrow in minutes
Drag plants into a 3D space, walk through it, or upload a photo and let AI redesign it. Test spacing around its mature size before you plant.
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