Common Name: yarrow
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Wide range of pastel colors
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy, Good Cut, Good Dried
Leaf: Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Culture
Best grown in lean, dry to medium moisture, well-drained sandy loams in full sun. Does well in average garden soils and tolerates poor soils as long as drainage is good. Avoid heavy clays and moist, rich, fertile soils. Plants are best sited in locations protected from strong winds. Deadhead spent flower heads to lateral buds to promote additional bloom. Cut plants back to basal leaves after flowering to tidy the planting and to encourage new foliage growth and a possible additional fall bloom. Divide clumps as needed (every 3-4 years) to reinvigorate plantings.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Achillea is a genus of about 85 species of mostly herbaceous perennial from the Northern Hemisphere. Several hybrids are available.
The genus name Achillea refers to Achilles, hero of the Trojan Wars in Greek mythology, who used the plant medicinally to stop bleeding and to heal the wounds of his soldiers.
Summer Pastels Group provides a variety of pastel flower shades, including pink, red, white, yellow, salmon, orange and mauve. Tiny flowers are densely packed in large, flat-topped, terminal flower clusters (corymbs) which are 2 to 3" across. Green leaves are deeply-cut, fern-like and aromatic when crushed. Tolerant of heat and humidity, but flower colors may fade in extended, hot summer weather. Drought tolerant once established. Long summer bloom period may be extended by prompt removal of faded flower heads. 1990 AAS winner.
Problems
Botrytis, stem rot, powdery mildew and rust are occasional disease problems. Taller plants may need staking, particularly if grown in less than full sun. Strong summer rain storms with high winds can flatten exposed plantings. Does poorly in wet sites or in heavy, poorly drained soil.
Uses
Specimen, group or mass. Borders. Cottage gardens, wild gardens, naturalized areas or meadows.