Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a plant from the daisy family (Asteraceae) with mostly white flowers in nature, the cultivated forms of which are available in many bright flower colors from specialist retailers. In nature, the relatively undemanding yarrow occurs in meadows, pastures and on the edges of fields.
What location does the yarrow need?
Yarrow prefers a sunny location with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that is dry rather than moist at times. Natural gardens, perennial beds and rockeries with similar plants such as bluebells, carnations, poppies, daisies and lupins as neighbors are ideal.
Reasons for growing yarrow in your own garden
Yarrow has been a valued medicinal plant for thousands of years and is used in the form of teas, extracts and drops as a medicinal drug for cramps, digestive and metabolic disorders. The edible plant also enriches the taste of salads. Since the yarrow growing on fields and roadsides is often contaminated by dog droppings or agricultural plant protection measures, it is worth growing in your own garden. In addition, the flowers, which bloom from May to June, are a visual enrichment in the garden.
A suitable location ensures abundance of flowers and proliferation of yarrow
Yarrow prefers sunny locations with nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. Particularly poor soils should be enriched with a little compost (€12.00 on Amazon) before planting; fertilizing with artificial fertilizer, on the other hand, can even have a negative effect on growth. Basically, the chosen location should be dry rather than too humid at times. In loose soil, the plants reproduce not only through self-sowing, but also through the roots, so that division can be carried out if necessary.
Suitable neighbors for yarrow
Since yarrow grows particularly well in dry locations without waterlogging, it is an easy-care plant for natural gardens, perennial beds and rock gardens. Visually attractive combinations can result from the proximity to the following plant species:
- Bellflower
- Carnation
- Garden poppies
- Marguerite
- Lupine
Tip
Beautiful effects can also be achieved in the garden when species of yarrow that grow at different heights and bloom in different colors, such as cushion yarrow (Achillea tomentosa) and golden yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), are combined.
