How to Grow Yarrow

Yarrow is one of my favorite herbs for growing and crafting with in our garden.

It is drought tolerant and comes in colors of red, pink, white, and yellow.

The genus name Achillea is taken from the mythical Greek character Achilles.

He was said to have carried it with him into battle in order to treat wounds.

This is the reason it is sometimes referred to as Soldier's Wort.

The Navajo Indians called yarrow a "life medicine" and would chew it to alleviate toothaches or as an infusion for earaches.

Also used as an astringent, to heal bruising, treat asthma, eczema, and hay fever. The oil from the flowers is used as an anti-inflammatory.

Used as a dye for clothing.

Today it is mainly used as a flowering perennial and for crafting. The most popular for crafting is 'Moonshine' and 'Coronation Gold'. Click here to learn how to harvest and dry yarrow.

Excellent companion plant. Repels bad insects and attracts good, predatory ones such as the ladybug, hoverflies, and predatory wasps.

Size: 'Moonshine' and 'Coronation Gold' grows 18" to 24". Pastels, such as the Galaxy hybrids grow to be about two feet tall. The smaller,A. tomentosa makes a great groundcover if you have a sunny place.

Placement: Middle of bed for 'Moonshine' and 'Coronation Gold'. The pastel varieties are shorter and can be placed in the front of the bed.

Exposure: Full sun or afternoon shade.

Soil: Can be grown in poor soil, but they do better in good soil. Tolerates drought well. Needs well drained soil.

You can't go wrong with this beautiful plant!