Growing And Caring For Yarrow Plant

Yarrow can grow in different gardens, and it is healthy in different positions, but it thrives when it has conditions that favor its growth and the time it blooms. Selection of a place to grow yarrow involves the following factors if the plant is to have a healthy and long life.

Sunlight

Yarrow prefers a warm position and needs full sun exposure, ideally at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. It is moderately shade tolerant meaning it prefers areas that are partially shaded but with direct sunlight the plant enjoys vigorous growth and produces more blooms.

If you are to plant a yarrow, it is best to place it in an area where it receives direct sunlight as this will result in a sturdier and well-branched plant in addition to more vivid colored blooms.

Soil

Yarrow prefers good drainage and it has the ability to tolerate long-standing water, and any type of soil, including sand, stones, or clayey soil. It is essential not to use very rich soil or soil that is constantly moist since this will result in the plants growing tall and thin and also the disease of root rot may occur. 

If your soil type is heavy/clay soil then this can slow the drainage down so it is recommended to mix sand or gravel into the existing soil or to grow the yarrow in a raised bed or in containers.

Climate

Yarrow grows best in zones 3-9 of the USDA, which makes it ideal for use in most regions of the country. It can survive both cold winters and warm dry summers that characterize the suitable climate for its growth. This drought-tolerant plant can be used in xeriscaping and other water-conserving gardens, especially in regions with a dry climate.

But in regions with very high moisture and rainy climates, yarrow becomes vulnerable to fungal diseases so proper space and airflow should be provided.

Garden Placement

The mobility of the plant makes it possible to incorporate the Yarrow in any given garden style. It is applicable in wild plant meadows, cottage gardens, and perennial borders. It can also be grown in rock gardens and along drives, as it is xerophytic, requiring little watering and low on ground cover.

Further, yarrow appeals insects that are beneficial, it is used as a companion plant in gardening, by enhancing pollination and controlling pests in vegetable gardens. In this way, make sure that yarrow will grow properly in the chosen site, and bring only advantages to the garden.

Yarrow as a plant can only be propagated through successful planting methods that will enable the plants to develop and flourish properly. Here’s a detailed guide on how and when to plant yarrow.

How to Plant

Seeds: Yarrow can also be propagated using seeds which should be sown directly in the garden or grown inside the house. If sowing directly, then do so after the last frost has been recorded in your locality or region. Before planting, the soil needs to be prepared to ensure that the surface is fine and loose.

Sprinkle the seeds thinly on the soil surface and pat them slightly as yarrow seeds are required to be sown on the surface of the soil with little mulch. Water the seeds sparingly so that they remain moist until the seedlings sprout, which typically takes between 14 and 21 days.

Transplants: For indoor crops, sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the date of the final frost. Plant seeds in seed trays or very small pots using a light seed mix that has good drainage. Carefully put these seeds directly onto the surface of the mix making sure you do not press them too hard.

Maintain soil moisture and ensure that the trays are placed in a window or under artificial illumination. After seedlings develop 2-3 inches tall and the danger of frost is gone, harden off the seedlings and transplant them to the garden after a week in the uncontrolled outdoor environment.

Divisions and Cuttings: Another method by which yarrow can be grown is by division or by employing cuttings. In early spring or fall, simply dig up an existing yarrow plant and then split the massive root structure into several portions, making sure that each main root ball has healthy roots and stems. Transplant the divisions as soon as possible into good quality soil where you want to grow the plant again.

For cuttings, collect stems, 4-6 inches long, from new growth during spring, remove the bottom leaves, and place the cuttings into a lightweight, slightly moist, well-draining soil. Do not let the cuttings dry out in between the times when roots ought to be established.

When to Plant

Spring: Yarrow is best planted in the spring, however, it is advisable to wait until late spring because this is when the frost risk is minimal. This ensures that the plants grow at the appropriate time before the hot season sets in and demands more space.

Fall: The seeds can also be sown in early fall although this is primarily a practice that is applicable to certain climates. This means yarrow has the chance to get its root system down before the frost hits, resulting in better production in the next growing year.

Thus, by following proper planting techniques and timing them right, you can ensure the proper growth of yarrow plants as well as the yields derived from them.

Because yarrow has delicate and intricate needs, it’s important to adequately take care of it to maintain its healthy state while on growth. Here is a more comprehensive guide on what light, soil, and water mean, pruning, and how to pot and/or re-pot.

Light

Yarrow prefers to grow in sunny places and can grow with minimal shade for 6-8 hours per day at least. They require full sun exposure to develop strong stems and branches as well as to encourage flowering.

Yarrow needs full sun to thrive, but if grown in partial shade, they can be leggy and produce fewer flowers. Regarding the planting of yarrow, one has to ensure the site selected has full sun exposure, to ensure the plant performs well.

Soil and Water

Yarrow has some tolerance to soils that are low in fertility and prefers well-drained soils; it can grow in sand, loam, or rocky type of soil. It is important not to place the plant in soil that provides too much nutrients because this will lead to the richness of leaves over flowers. When soil is compacted or clayey, drain it using sand, gravel, or compost and ensure the pH level is under 7.

After it has grown, yarrow is very xerophytic and a gardener can almost forget to water it. After planting yarrow, water it frequently until the plants grow sturdier and become established in the soil. Then water only occasionally and wait for the soil to become dry before watering again.

One negative effect of overwatering plants is that the roots either rot or else develop other fungal diseases. While in dry spells, it is advised that the water is taken a little deeper and less frequently, perhaps every two weeks.

Pruning

Deadheading: Deadhead to maintain continuous flowering at every stage of summer, and keep the plant fresh for long-lasting beauty. It is also important as it promotes good looks and helps to avoid unwanted over-seeding of the plant.

Cutting Back: Yarrow plants should be pruned during the late fall season or early spring and should be pruned to approximately 1 to 2 inches above the ground level. It is advantageous as it ensures healthy new growth when determined in spring and maintains an aesthetic appearance of the garden. Pruning also minimizes the likelihood of fungal diseases affecting the plant because it helps to enhance air movement at the base part of the plant.

Potting and Repotting

Potting: As with other annuals, to grow yarrow in containers you should use a soil mix that has good drainage. Select the right container with the correct number of drainage openings to avoid water clogging.

Due to its drought tolerance, Yarrow is ideal for growing in containers to be placed on the patio or balcony, although the pot should be large enough to contain the root mass.

Repotting: Yarrow should be repotted in spring every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown the pot. Water the plant before replanting and trim the roots if they are tangled or look like they have outgrown the pot. Repotting should be done sometimes to help refresh the plant and also improve its growth. Get a new soil and, if necessary, a slightly larger container in which your plant can develop.

By observing the care tips given above, you will be in a position to enjoy the beauty of yarrow flowers without much effort in caring for the plants.

Yarrow plant is generally considered to be fairly easy to grow and require very little effort to care for, however, like with any plant, some issues may occasionally arise. These are some of the problems that any gardener might need to know to ensure a correct approach to the care of the yarrow plant.

Pests

Aphids

These are small, yellowish-brown insects that suck on the sap of yarrows and can be a quite frequent issue. They are often found to gather at the new growth which leads to the curling up of the leaves and distortion.

If you have aphids use a forceful water spray to knock off the pests or use insecticide soap. Also, aphids can be controlled by introducing their natural enemies such as ladybugs on the farm.

Spittlebugs

Some of these pests create slimy materials on stems and leaves, which is aesthetically displeasing. They do not often pose a threat and can be disposed of by hand or by washing them with water. Practical techniques that can help minimize spittlebug infestation include practicing good garden hygiene by cleaning up plant debris.

Japanese Beetles

These beetles can feed on the foliage and flowers of this plant and this can result in significant damage. A technique used to control beetles includes picking individual beetles and placing them in a container with soapy water.

Other methods that can also be employed to control the beetle include the use of traps as well as promoting biological opponents.

Problems

Powdery Mildew

Characterized by white powdery substances on the infected leaves and stems, This fungal disease is more common in areas where there is increased humidity and reduced air circulation.

To avoid powdery mildew, yarrows should be planted with enough space between them so that air can penetrate fully, irrigation should not be done in a manner that water falls on the plant and dead parts should be trimmed off. If needed, fungicidal treatments are possible.

Root Rot

An important threat that yarrow is exposed to is root rot, which appears as a result of the oversaturated ground. Some of the effects that are usually noticed in such cases include yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and stunted growth.

Yarrow is sensitive to root rot, so it must be planted in a well-draining type of soil and is not necessary to water it frequently. If root rot occurs, then boost the rates of drainage in the soil and limit the water supply to the affected plant.

Leggy Growth

Yarrow can become overly bushy and weak-stemmed when exposed to inadequate sunlight or grown in overly fertile soil. Choose a hot and sunny location for yarrow and do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers to have dense stemmed plants. Trimming of the leggy stems can also be done to force new growth to sprout from them.

This way, if pests are sighted at an early stage, they will be eradicated and the yarrow plants will be safe, thus continue beautifying your garden and adding value.

Yarrow is very easy to propagate and can be done by seeds, division or cuttings all with their own benefits depending on the gardener and maturity of the plant.

Seeds

Seeds are cheapest and suitable for growing many new plants in large numbers. Seeds can be sown indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly sown in the garden once the frost in the area has passed.

For germinating seeds, use seed trays with a good-draining seed starting mix and sow the seeds on the surface of the mix without watering because they require light to germinate.

Make sure the soil remains moist, and put the trays in an area with indirect sunlight or near a heat source like the grow lights. The emergence of seedlings takes between 14 to 21 days and can be transplanted to the outdoors once they grow to between 2 and 3 inches and have at least two sets of mature leaves.

Division

This is ideal for reviving mature yarrow and is most effective if done in spring or at the end of the summer. Gently loosen an existing plant from the ground, and sever the root mass into sections with a shovel or sharp knife while making sure each section contains several shoots and roots.

Transplant the divisions as soon as possible into a suitable soil, space the divisions correctly and water them adequately for them to start growing.

Cuttings

Another more conventional propagation method that can be used is through cuttings. During late spring or early summer choose healthy new growth of 4-6 inches in length and remove the lower leaves, then the cut end will be dipped into the rooting hormone. To propagate the plant, cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mix to the middle of the cutting.

Maintain the soil moist and place the cuttings in a well-lit area, but not under direct sunlight. It is advisable to grow roots after one or two weeks and then transplant the cuttings in the garden.

If you follow these steps and select the right propagation method, you can easily propagate yarrow and enhance your garden with strong and healthy plants.

Yarrow is an ideal companion plant since it helps in the promotion of growth and health of other plants nearby and of course, the aesthetic value of the garden design is also complemented by the plant. Ideal companions include:

• Lavender: Full sun and well-drained soil are the ideal growing conditions for both plants, together with drought tolerance and attractiveness to beneficial insects. Lavender has lovely purple flowers which are hot-toned while Yarrow has loud flowers, which provide perfect contrast.
• Echinacea: More commonly referred to as coneflower, its needs are also similar to those of the plant. The bright pink, purple, and white flowers are in harmony with yarrow flowers and both draw pollinators and other helpful insects.
• Sage: This plant is also suitable for similar dry environments; thus, it can be considered a drought-tolerant herb. Sage’s gray-green foliage and its purple or blue flowers are well-earned against the foliage and flow of yarrow, and sage has good results from yarrow plants as they repel pests.
• Rudbeckia: Another such plant is the black-eyed Susan, which also has similar growing requirements to yarrow. The yellow, orange, and red flowers make it cheerful while the plants have diverse flower forms, giving the garden a tactile interest.
• Coreopsis: It can also be called tickseed, this plant grows alongside yarrow and features daisy-like flowers of colors ranging from yellow to gold. They are both suitable to the dry climate and will bloom, therefore, good for pollinators in a low-maintenance colorful garden.
• Sedum: This is an herbaceous plant that grows in well-drained soils and areas of full sun exposure. It has soft fleshy leaves and star-like flowers and can be planted with yarrow for visual relief since it is a low-growing plant.
• Artemisia: Yarrow grows well around it with its red-tinted flowers standing out in contrast to the silvery white odoriferous leaves of the plant. It also acts as a pest control agent since it helps in repelling pests that may attack other plants that are nearby.

You can plant yarrows with these companions to design a diverse, rich, and appealing garden that requires minimal maintenance while attracting beneficial fauna.