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🌼 How to Care for Achillea plants (Yarrow)
How much sun does Achillea need?
Achillea thrives in full sun—around six hours a day. While it can tolerate light shade, you’ll get the best flowering in bright, open spots.
What type of soil is best?
It prefers well-drained soil, ideally sandy or chalky. Rich or heavy soils can cause the plant to flop and reduce flower production.
How often should I water it?
Water well during the first growing season to help it establish. Once settled, Achillea is drought-tolerant and rarely needs extra water unless it’s extremely dry.
Does it need feeding?
Not much at all. In fact, too much fertiliser—especially nitrogen—can lead to more leaves and fewer flowers. A light feed in spring is plenty, if needed.
Should I deadhead or cut it back?
Yes—regularly remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms and stop self-seeding. You can cut the plant back in autumn or early spring to tidy it up and boost new growth.
When should I divide or propagate it?
Divide clumps every 3 to 5 years in spring or autumn to keep them healthy and vigorous. You can also take soft cuttings in spring.
Is Achillea drought-hardy?
Very much so. Once it’s established, it copes brilliantly in dry conditions, making it perfect for sunny borders and gravel gardens.
What pests or diseases affect it?
Achillea is generally low-maintenance, but it can occasionally suffer from aphids or powdery mildew—especially in humid or overcrowded spots. Good airflow and spacing usually prevent problems.
How tall does it grow and when does it flower?
Depending on the variety, it can grow from 60 cm up to 1 metre. It usually flowers from June through to early autumn, bringing colour for months on end.
For more growing advice and detailed information on different Achillea varieties, visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide or Gardeners’ World magazine.