Also known as Yarrow · 3.1k saves
Achillea
Achillea, the genus most gardeners know as yarrow. We track 42 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Achillea varieties
See all 42 Achillea varieties →Search this genus →
2 species of Achillea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Achillea in Sow
Save the Achillea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Achillea
Whats common across all Achillea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Achillea year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- DeadheadJune–August88% of varieties
Remove spent flowers (deadhead) immediately to encourage repeat blooming
- PruneAugust80% of varieties
Shear back spent flowers (deadhead) to encourage a second flush of blooms
- Spring CleanupFebruary53% of varieties
Cut old, dead stems back to the ground before new growth begins
- PlantMarch, April, September and October35% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring after frost or in early fall
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply compost annually to enrich soil
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Achillea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, speckled foliage | Use water spray to dislodge mites or apply horticultural oil |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use organic fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of foliage | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Achillea
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring.
- Divide into smaller sections with roots intact.
- Plant divisions immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly and mulch.
Seed
- Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks until germination occurs.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after they develop true leaves.
Achillea questions
How many types of Achillea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 42 distinct Achillea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Achillea grow in?
Across its varieties, Achillea covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Achillea bloom?
Most Achillea varieties bloom in early summer, summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Achillea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.