Summer Pastels Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'Summer Pastels'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Low to average; dislikes high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe, Asia, and North America
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Achillea millefolium, or common yarrow, is a hardy, rhizomatous perennial with aromatic, feathery, fern-like foliage. It is exceptionally tough, tolerating drought, poor soil, and a wide range of climates. 'Summer Pastels' is a popular seed-grown mix featuring long-lasting, large, flat-topped flower clusters in a broad color palette including shades of pink, rose, red, apricot, yellow, and white. Flowers age to lighter shades, creating a multi-hued effect.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
- Ensure plants receive full sun for optimal blooming and growth.
- Water deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot, especially in dry months.
- Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Divide mature clumps in early spring or fall to promote healthy growth.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and full sun for vigorous, long-lasting blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells ☀️
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms 🌸
- Divide every 2-3 years to maintain plant vigor 🌱
- Apply compost annually to enrich soil
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers which can reduce flowering ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall ❌
- Don't plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Summer Pastels Yarrow questions
What zones can Summer Pastels Yarrow grow in?
Summer Pastels Yarrow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Summer Pastels Yarrow deer resistant?
Yes — Summer Pastels Yarrow is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Summer Pastels Yarrow bloom?
Summer Pastels Yarrow typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Summer Pastels Yarrow need full sun?
Summer Pastels Yarrow does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Summer Pastels Yarrow drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Summer Pastels Yarrow handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Achillea to compare
Red Velvet Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'Red Velvet'
Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'Sassy Summer Taffy'
Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'New Vintage White'
Moonshine Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine'
Pink Grapefruit Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'Pink Grapefruit'
Summer Berries Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'Summer Berries'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Summer Pastels Yarrow with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
