How to Grow and Care for Yarrow Plants
The Yarrow plant is easy to care for, this garden beauty attracts pollinators is drought-tolerant, and insect resistant. Yarrow plants are aromatic or fragrant. This garden beauty is native to Eurasia and is found widely from the UK to China and North America, yarrows can be found commonly growing in grassland and open forest.
Yarrows belongs to the family Asteraceae, they were described as a genus by Linnaeus in 1753, the genus was named after the Greek mythological character Achilles. Sunflowers, aster, zinnias, and chrysanthemums also belong to this family.
What also makes yarrow a must-have is its healing properties that aid in reducing fever, treating muscle cramps or muscles that are swollen, and minor wounds. This perennial can grow in your flower or herb garden and can be used as a ground cover or border plant.
The flowers of the yarrow plant are showy and come in colors of pink, yellow, red, gold, or orange improving the appearance of your garden and landscapes however, this North American plant is invasive which is why it’s important to give yarrows space to go for themselves. For more on how to grow and care for yarrows continue reading.
The planting location
Install yarrow plants in a location that gets lots of sunlight, each plant should be spaced 1 to 2 feet apart.
The soil requirements
The soil of yarrows should be well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
Water requirements
Yarrows can survive on very little water making them the perfect drought-tolerant plant.
Fertilizing your yarrow plant
Because yarrows are low maintenance they require little to no nutrients except for soil that’s fertile. Adding compost will help greatly.
Yarrow garden insect pests
Although yarrows are basically pests resistant keep a watch for aphids and spittlebugs, control with insecticidal soap, etc… before applying read and follow the manufacture’s label.
Diseases of yarrow plant
Diseases of yarrows include powdery mildew and botrytis mold that appear like white flour substances on the plant’s leaves. Both powdery mildew and botrytis mold can be controlled with fungicides. Always read and follow the manufactures label before applying chemicals for the best results.
Growing yarrows in a container
When growing yarrows from a container ensure the container is large to accommodate your yarrow plant. The container should have drain holes for water drainage, good potting soil is ideal. A sunny location is a must for yarrows to grow so place containers in this area.
Allow the soil to dry before giving yarrows another drink, to keep your yarrows thriving follow the above growing conditions.
Deadheading yarrow plants
It’s important to deadhead your yarrows, keep your yarrows well-trimmed by the removal of spent or faded flowers will prevent the yarrow from drying out along with setting seeds, remember yarrows are invasive and will take over your garden. Keeping faded flowers trimmed will stop yarrows from spreading.
Deadheading your yarrows will encourage the plant to refocus its energy into producing healthy flower bloom that will appeal to yarrows’ overall aesthetics. Cutting the stem back above the lateral bud will encourage flowers to shoot from the sides. To prevent yarrows from flopping or tipping over prune back by half.
Harvesting yarrows
Before harvesting your yarrows ensure that the flowers are completely open, the best time to harvest is on a hot sunny day during the late morning hours. Follow your yarrow stalk down to the ground and make the cut 2-3 inches above the ground. To make harvesting easy gather a few stalks at a time in your hand and with the other hand make the cut.
Caution
Yarrows are known to be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, signs include anorexia, vomiting, hypersalivation, and diarrhea.
The final word on yarrow plant care
Yarrows are amazing, with all that has been said makes the yarrow plant a must-have. This low-maintenance plant has so much to offer. The yarrow plant is a show stopper bringing much beauty and flavor into your garden and landscapes, with yarrows you can’t go wrong so install some today and reap the benefits.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Thank you, Norman, for this interesting article. I love flowers and nature, although I am not very good at gardening and keeping plants alive, unfortunately. My dad is good at it.
But, since I am going to rent a flat with my husband maybe we could buy some flowers and plants, so it’ll be good for me to learn something. it is important to have a beautiful house with some flowers. I know flowers and plants in general can improve your mental health and send a relaxing vibe.
So your article will come in handy.
Thank you a lot,
Maja
You are welcome and I am so happy to help, wishing you all the best of success with your garden project.
Hi Norman. Veryinteresting article. I have few yarrow plants in my garden but to be fair Im not fully happy with the way they are growing. Looking on your post its obvious for me that I didn’t care about them as I should. They definitely don’t have enough sun and I need to limit watering. Thank you for all your advices and recommendations!
Hello, I am so happy to help wishing you all the best of success as you implement what we shared. Have a good day!
I recently retired and have taken up gardening. I planted a few herbs and was wondering what else I could plant and nurture. Thanks for a good idea. I have all the instructions right here and will be planting not just something pretty but also something useful. Thanks for the tips
I am so happy to help and all the best to you as you enjoy your golden years. Have a good day!