Yarrow – an easy-to-grow perennial for borders, meadows and pots
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy, long-flowering and very easy-to-grow perennial, perfectly suited to UK and Nordic gardens. It blooms for a long period, attracts pollinators and requires minimal maintenance. With its finely divided foliage and flat flower heads, yarrow adds both structure and colour to borders, meadows and containers.
The variety ‘Summer Pastel Mix’, available at Florea, is a particularly beautiful yarrow with flower heads in soft pastel shades of pink, apricot, lilac and white. It is highly valued both in the garden and as a cut flower thanks to its long flowering period and excellent vase life.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to sow, plant and care for yarrow – whether you want to grow it in borders, meadows or pots.
Sowing yarrow – from seed to plant
Yarrow is easy to grow from seed and can be sown indoors or directly outdoors.
Sowing indoors
For the best start, sow yarrow indoors from February to March.
Sow the seeds on the surface of moist seed compost – yarrow is light-germinating and should not be covered.
Gently press the seeds onto the soil surface.
Cover with a lid or plastic with ventilation holes.
Place in a bright spot at room temperature.
Germination usually occurs within 1–3 weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, remove the cover. Provide plenty of light and keep the soil lightly moist. When the plants are strong enough, pot them on individually.
Hardening off and planting out
Before planting outdoors, harden off the plants by placing them outside for a few hours a day in a sheltered spot for about a week. Increase exposure gradually. Once the risk of frost has passed, they can be planted in their final position.
Direct sowing outdoors
Yarrow can also be direct sown outdoors from May onwards when the soil has warmed.
Choose a weed-free site.
Rake the soil to a fine tilth and moisten lightly.
Sow seeds on the surface and press gently.
Keep moist until germination.
Yarrow can also be sown in late summer or early autumn. Seeds will then germinate the following spring and usually flower the year after.
Planting yarrow – choosing the right location
Position and soil
Yarrow thrives best in full sun. The sunnier the location, the more abundant the flowering.
It prefers:
• Well-drained soil
• Slightly poor or lightly calcareous soil
• Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
Yarrow is not nutrient-demanding and often performs better in less fertile soil.
Planting in borders
Yarrow is ideal for borders, adding height and airiness.
Space plants about 30 cm apart.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, lavender, sage and other drought-tolerant perennials.
‘Summer Pastel Mix’ creates a soft, harmonious colour palette suitable for both modern and naturalistic plantings.
Growing yarrow in meadows
Yarrow is perfect for wildflower meadows and natural plantings.
Thrives in poor soil.
Requires no fertiliser.
Self-seeds and returns year after year.
Allow some flowers to set seed for natural spread. Mow the meadow in late summer or early autumn.
Growing yarrow in pots
Yarrow grows very well in containers, especially taller varieties like ‘Summer Pastel Mix’.
Choose a large pot with drainage holes.
Use free-draining compost.
Place in a sunny position.
Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Potted yarrow can overwinter in a sheltered position or be treated as a perennial to resow if needed.
Caring for yarrow
Watering
Once established, yarrow is very drought-tolerant.
Water regularly during the first year.
Afterwards, only during prolonged dry spells.
Avoid waterlogging.
Feeding
Yarrow needs very little feeding.
A light layer of compost in spring is sufficient.
Avoid heavy fertilising – it encourages foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and flowering
For prolonged flowering:
Deadhead spent blooms regularly.
This encourages new flower production.
Leave some flowers if you wish to collect seed or encourage self-seeding.
Division and rejuvenation
After 3–4 years, yarrow benefits from division.
Divide in spring or early autumn.
Lift the plant and divide into sections.
Replant and water well.
Overwintering
Yarrow is fully hardy and survives winter throughout the UK and Scandinavia.
Leave dry stems standing over winter.
Cut back in spring when new growth appears.
In containers, roots may need frost protection.
Yarrow – a pollinator favourite and excellent cut flower
Yarrow’s flat flower heads are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It is also an excellent cut flower, both fresh and dried. ‘Summer Pastel Mix’ is especially known for its long vase life and soft colour tones.
Yarrow is also generally deer-resistant, making it particularly valuable in many gardens.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2026-01-08