Achillea millifolium is one of the easiest perennials to grow. Almost no care, very little maintenance, and bright punches of color make it a very good plant for low-maintenance gardens. In our garden we have 4-5 varieties which unfortunately are mostly unnamed but their colors include red, yellow, white, and pink. The only thing I do to maintain achillea is the occasional deadheading and division.
‘Paprika’ Achillea is the one variety I know I have – all the rest are unidentified. At one point I added one that was called ‘Appleblossom’ but I have some doubts as to the accuracy of its name.
How to Propagate Achillea
Division
Propagating achillea (yarrow) is about as easy as maintaining it. Just divide a small section during the growing season and plant it where you want it (including a pot). The nice thing about division is that you can go ahead and plant the new plants right into the ground without waiting for rooting to start – it’s already done! There very little need to try stem cuttings since the plants divide so well.
Achillea is a rhizomatic plant which means it spreads through roots (rhizomes) under the soil. As long as you divide the plant and maintain some of those roots you will easily be able to start a new plants from the original clump.
Seeds
Achillea can also be grown very easily from seeds. Collect the seeds when the flowers have all browned up and scatter sow over your planting medium. Achillea makes a good choice for Winter Sowing.
Growing Info for Achillea
| Hardiness Zones | 3-9 |
| Size (WxH) | 2′-4′ wide by 2′-4′ Tall |
| Light requirements | Full Sun, Partial shade |
| Animals | Deer and Rabbit Resistant, Attracts pollinators! |
| Other Features: | Drought tolerant |
Achillea (Yarrow) needs very little regular maintenance and tends to prefer a dry location in the sun. Animals tend to leave it alone but pollinators really enjoy it. If you plant achillea you will find numerous small bees who love the tiny flowers as well as butterflies enjoying your garden!
Varieties of Yarrow/Achillea to try in your Garden
- Apple Blossom
- Apricot Delight
- Cerise Queen
- Common
- Gold
- Gold Plate
- Greek
- King Edward
- Moonshine
- New Vintage Rose
- Paprika
- Pink Grapefruit
- Red
- Red Velvet
- Strawberry Seduction
- Summer Pastels
- Sunny Seduction
- Terracotta
If you like Achillea/Yarrow you may like 5 other perennial plants from my post called the “Can’t Miss Six!” Six perennials that grow really well in most gardens.
Problems with Growing Yarrow/Achillea
Achillea and mostly trouble free but can run into a few issues.
Powdery Mildew
Yarrow is susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can weaken the plant and reduce its aesthetic appeal.
Pests
Aphids are common pests that feed on the sap of yarrow plants, causing stunted growth, curled leaves, and the spread of viral diseases. Yarrow can also attract other pests like caterpillars, flea beetles, and spider mites, which can cause damage to the foliage.
Root Rot
Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot in yarrow plants. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a foul odor emanating from the roots.
Fungal Diseases
Besides powdery mildew, yarrow can be susceptible to other fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot, especially in humid conditions or when overcrowded.
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What if it's blooming? Can it still be divided? I'd love to add some of the pink and red I saw today, but I want it in lots of places. I don't think she'd be willing to share as much as I'd like to have. But I can be patient if I can divide it.
Hi Dave, I just dug and planted a piece two days ago. It rained last night… perfect timing! 🙂 Happy gardening to you!
Tom,
I've divided it while blooming before – it's hard not to since it seems to bloom all the time! Just clip off the bloom and you're ready to go. You may not even need to do that but it will turn energy back into making foliage and roots.
SG,
I love planting just before rain! I did that today with some rosemary and basil.
I had lots of Achillea several years ago and I yanked it. I think I had it in the wrong location, along a walkway. It had flopped all over the place. I think it was sppleblossom.
However, I really like this plant for it's color and waterwise qualities. So, I bought some more in a deep red (don't know the exact name either)and put it away from walkways near my back gate. I would like to try Paprika, great color.
Eileen
Mine just started blooming here. I used to love it when I had lots of sun but not so much now that I have shade:( That purple one is an heirloom and very pretty!
I think I have over watered mine in the past….I love them!
Eileen,
I've done the same thing too, right plant wrong place! I think I like the reds over the pinks, but definitely over the white! Any way you go the foliage is pretty nifty.
Tina,
I guess that's one of the disadvantages to a growing and maturing garden – your planting areas eventually shift to shade. Of course that opens new doors to shade gardening which is pretty neat too! Also when you are down this weekend you're welcome to take cuttings to offshoots of whatever you would like to have.
Darla,
I think they are pretty cool. I'd like to make a list of the best plants for beginning gardeners – Achillea would be there for sure!
I love my Achillea! I have Laura Red, my favorite, Paprika, Pomegranite (new this year in my garden), Wonderful Wompee, etc. I like Red ones! They are so easy. And I was once told it was pronounced kind of like "I Kill Ya" ha ha! Helps me remember!
I couldn't imagine my garden without this long blooming perennial. 🙂