Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

herb

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Yarrow is a robust perennial herb with finely divided, feathery foliage and dense, flat-topped flower clusters in shades of red, pink, yellow, or white. It is extremely hardy, drought-tolerant, and attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to gardens. Traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a culinary herb, it is also excellent for dried flower arrangements.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Yarrow is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Overwateringchevron_right

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Root Rotchevron_right

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Leggy Growthchevron_right

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Full sun (6–8 hours daily); requires bright light for best growth and flowering.

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Water

Low water needs; water moderately when young, then water only during drought once established. Drought-tolerant.

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Soil

Well-draining, poor to moderately fertile soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, or clay soils; neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0–7.5).

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Fertiliser

Minimal fertilizer needed; avoid rich soils and excess nitrogen which promote foliage over flowers.

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Temperature

Highly cold-hardy; tolerates a wide temperature range (40–80°F); thrives in cool to warm climates.

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Humidity

Low to moderate humidity; does not require misting; prefers drier conditions.

Toxicity

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Generally safe; may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; avoid during pregnancy.

Common Diseases

filter_dramaRoot Rotchevron_right spaPowdery Mildewchevron_right grainLeaf Spotchevron_right

Common Pests

pest_controlSpider Miteschevron_right blur_onAphidschevron_right pest_controlWhiteflieschevron_right

Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Yarrow so popular with pollinators?

Its dense, flat-topped flower clusters offer an easy landing pad and abundant nectar, which is why Yarrow attracts pollinators and beneficial insects so reliably to the garden.

How drought tolerant is Yarrow once established?

Very — this hardy perennial needs minimal water once established and actually prefers poor to moderately fertile soil over rich, heavily fed conditions.