Yarrow is a spritely garden plant with clusters of small heads comprised of many tightly-packed blooms that are a favorite of many gardeners. These little blossoms come in a rainbow of shades but are most popular in yellow, red, pink, soft white. Gardeners love yarrow because of these delicate but bright blooms that attract butterflies.
Yarrows are also enjoyed because they require very little maintenance, resistant to pests, and can thrive in moderately harsh soil conditions. Additionally, yarrow is an herb that puts out a positive aroma. It is also popular for cutting and drying and is well known for having many healing properties.
Yarrow should be planted in the spring or early summer due to the fact that it has little resistance to a late frost. They should be planted in an area that receives a high amount of sunlight in order to receive the highest number of blooms. They are enthusiastic growers that will spread easily if not cut back. They should initially be planted about 1 to 2 feet apart in order to keep them from spreading too quickly. With their rapid growth aside, Yarrow plants are stunning bloomers that require little maintenance while providing wonderful color for any garden.
There are many types of Yarrow. Most grow well in zones 3-8, but some have more specific hardiness zones they will flourish in. If you are looking to add this exciting bloomer to your garden, here are some popular species to consider.
Apple Blossom (Achillea millefolium)
These gorgeous bloomers are true garden highlights that have stunning bursts of princess pink flat-top flowers. They bloom from early to late summer and many gardeners choose them for cutting reasons. Their foliage is emerald green and retains its rich color throughout the spring and summer season.
Cerise Queen (Achillea millefolium)
The cerise queen yarrow blooms in shades of light pink and magenta for several weeks in summer. It is an eye-catching variety of yarrow with light evergreen foliage that gives off a fruity aroma. They are easy to care for and are resistant to many garden animals like deer and rabbits. Cerise queen grows up to 2 feet in height and thrives in full sunlight. They are popular in cottage gardens and border gardens. These are an excellent choice for any gardener looking to attract butterflies. They thrive in hardiness zones 3-9.
Gold (Achillea filipendulina)
Gold yarrow is aptly named for its blooms in a rich, bright yellow. As with most yarrow, they are easy to grow and resistant to deer and rabbits. They grow well in zones 3-8 and have an extended blooming season of more than 4 weeks.
Achillea tomentosa
Also known as wooly yarrow, these peppy yellow flowers that grow on rich evergreen foliage. They grow well in full sunlight in normal soil or slightly sandy soil with minimal water needed. They are very easy to maintain and will bloom from late spring to mid-summer. They grow well in zones 3-9.
Moonshine (Achillea millefolium)
Perhaps the lightest shade of bright yellow blooms, moonshine yarrow is an eager bloomer lemon-yellow colored flower that is often chosen for its summer blooms. It is an aromatic flower and cutting the flower heads will ensure a return of blooms throughout the summer months. They grow well in hardiness zones 3-9 and require little care.
New Vintage Rose (Achillea millefolium)
This is a great choice for growing yarrow for hot and dry climates. It provides rich green foliage peppered with rose-pink blooms. Trimming back after the first flush of flowers will ensure a mid-summer rebloom. Full sun is best for the new vintage rose yarrow and it will grow best in zones 4-9.
Paprika (Achillea millefolium)
Paprika Yarrow is a garden favorite with clusters of bright red flowers that will bloom in the early summer before fading to light pink or creamy yellow. It requires little water and is hardy in soil that is quite dry or moderately dry, blooming less in soil that has more moisture. It does best in warm weather and is a fan of dry soil that has good drainage. It grows best when planted in growing zones 3-8.
Summer Pastels (Achillea millefolium)
Summer pastels yarrow is a wonderful choice for gardeners looking for a mix of cheery colors. Their palette consists of pastel shades like yellow, light pink, salmon, lilac, and soft white. They are often chosen to be clipped for flower arrangements and because they require little care. They grow best in zones 3-9 when receiving a good amount of daily sunlight.
