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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: Steve Mullany

Description

This Achillea features spreading mats of fern-like rosettes, along with deeply divided leaves of a green or gray green color. In this form, the flowers are usually a white tone. Stems can reach 1'-2' above foliage, with flower clusters above foliage. Yarrows propagate easily from rooted cuttings or division, which should be performed in the early spring or fall. Following bloom, one should dead head the plant and divide the clumps when it appears crowded.

Maintenance Tips

Achillea millefolium is a flowering perennial that is often referred to as Yarrow. This native variety can develop a dense matt of foliage 1-2’ tall and 3’ wide with large clusters of flowers that stand another 12” above the foliage. This is an aggressive grower, so the best way to keep it low maintenance is to plant it in full sun, well-drained soil, and give it the space it needs to reach its mature size. Deadheading spent blooms is the key to a long blooming cycle. As the flowers fade, prune them back to the foliage, and new blooms will continue to emerge as long as the weather is warm. When the days are shorter and the wet weather arrives, they will often die back to the ground and go into a short period of dormancy. Pruning out the old foliage that looks mealy will help with airflow and will allow the plant to focus on growing its root system during the winter.