Overview
Achillea millefolium is a spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Achillea, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Achillea millefolium grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Krym, Northwest European Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Czech Republic, Greenland and Guatemala.
About
Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow () or common yarrow, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. Growing to 1 metre (3+1⁄3 feet) tall, it is characterized by small whitish flowers, a tall stem of fernlike leaves, and a pungent odor. The plant is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and North America. It has been introduced as feed for livestock in New Zealand and Australia. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Achillea millefolium
About the genus
Achillea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The plants typically have frilly leaves and are known colloquially as yarrows, although this common name usually refers to A. millefolium.
Wikipedia contributors, "Achillea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Achillea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Achillea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Achillea millefolium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Krym, Northwest European Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Czech Republic, Greenland, Guatemala
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Achillea millefolium
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Achillea millefolium?
Achillea millefolium prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Achillea millefolium need?
Achillea millefolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Achillea millefolium grow?
Achillea millefolium reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Achillea millefolium hardy in the UK?
Achillea millefolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Achillea millefolium?
Seed, Division in spring.
More in the Achillea genus
- Achillea 'Pomegranate'
- Achillea 'Terracotta'Yarrow
- Achillea fil. 'Gold Plate'
- Achillea vermicularis
- Achillea 'Apricot Delight'
- Achillea 'Fleur van Zonneveld'
- Achillea 'Inca Gold'Yarrow
- Achillea Filipendulina ex Kyrgyzstan