Plant Profile: Achillea

Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, encompasses a variety of species and hybrids that are favored in gardens for their resilience, drought resistance, and consistently appealing appearance, characterized by their feathery leaves and vibrant flowers. These plants thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions, provided there is adequate drainage. Without proper drainage, yarrow may become unstable, leaning or flopping over, and its stems can be susceptible to wind damage. It is advisable to plant yarrow in sheltered areas to protect it from strong winds.

Home gardeners often prefer hybrids of common yarrow due to their sturdier stems and the wide range of colorful blooms they offer. However, yarrow can be quite vigorous, necessitating division every few years to keep it in check.

To promote additional flowering and maintain a tidy appearance while minimizing seed spread, it is beneficial to cut back the stems after they have bloomed. Yarrow is capable of withstanding hot, humid summers, and its long-lasting flowers are excellent for fresh arrangements as well as for use as dried flowers. The fragrant foliage retains its scent even after drying.

In terms of plant health, yarrow can be affected by issues such as rust, stem rot, and powdery mildew. Weak stems may lead to the plant becoming dislodged, and if left unchecked, yarrow can spread aggressively through self-seeding and rhizomes.