Finely cut, fragrant leaves and flowers ranging from gold yellow through pink to white, on a perennial of 8 to 40 inches. Yarrow (Achillea) earns its keep twice over, lighting up edges and rockeries while its leaves flavour salads, infusions and gravy — give it full sun and it flowers far more freely.
| Name | Achillea |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Type | perennial |
| Height | 8 to 40 inches (20 to 100 cm) |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Soil | ordinary |
| Flowering | early summer to early autumn |
Note first of all that there are several kinds of yarrow, which differ in the season and color of their blooming and the general bearing of the plant.
Yarrow can be planted all year round if purchased in nursery pots or containers.
Choose for it full sun exposure, even though light shade still suits it fine.
Sowing takes place in spring, directly in the ground when the last frosts are past.
It is also possible to sow a bit earlier, provided it is protected with a cold frame. It can then be transplanted to the growing bed at the beginning of summer.
There are several kinds of yarrow, differing in the colour and season of their blooming and in the general bearing of the plant. These are the ones most often found in garden centres and seed catalogues.
| Variety | Flower colour | Height | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘The Pearl’ | Double white button flowers | 24 in (60 cm) | Cut flowers, spreading clumps |
| Summer Pastels | Mixed cream, pink, apricot, lilac | About 24 in (60 cm) | Sowing from seed, mixed beds |
| ‘Gold Plate’ | Deep gold, very broad heads | 48–60 in (120–150 cm) | Back of the border, dried bouquets |
| ‘Coronation Gold’ | Mustard yellow | About 36 in (90 cm) | Reliable border clump, drying |
| ‘Moonshine’ | Lemon yellow over silvery-grey foliage | About 24 in (60 cm) | Sunny border, foliage contrast |
| ‘Terracotta’ | Orange-buff ageing to creamy yellow | About 30 in (75 cm) | Naturalistic and prairie planting |
Cutting off wilted flowers as soon as they wilt will keep the plant from wasting energy. It will instead dedicate itself to growing new flowers.
At the end of the season, cut the stems as short as you can and it will burst back in the following spring.
This very cute perennial comes in a range of colors that goes from gold yellow to pink and white.
It will know how to give light and gayness to your edges, rock formations and beds.
The most known yarrow variety is common yarrow, which has nicely cut leaves and hoists up beautiful flowers all summer long.
If you prefer a more sprawling yarrow, go for wolly yarrow (Achillea tomentosa) which has superb yellow flowers that are perfect for dried flower bouquets.
Its leaves are fragrant and the plant will bear flowers much more if exposed in full sun.
You can use its leaves in mixed salads, infusions or to flavor gravy.
Lastly, take note that ingesting yarrow leaves has therapeutic activity relevant to treating digestive disorders. (Certain persons might be allergic, though).
This perennial is perfect for your winter infusions!
