Yarrow is not only a medicinal plant that has been valued for centuries, but is also a particularly long-lasting bloomer in the rock garden or perennial bed. Basically, the plant is rather undemanding, but with a little care it blooms even more magnificently.
How do you properly care for yarrow?
Yarrow care is simple: water moderately in dry conditions, prune during flowering to encourage a second bloom and divide every 3-4 years for rejuvenation. Yarrows are hardy and rarely need fertilizer or pest control.
How regularly do yarrows need to be watered?
Yarrows need a sunny and warm location to thrive. If the upper soil layer is dry to a certain extent in this situation, this is usually of little concern to the yarrow due to its up to one meter long roots. However, you should water seedlings that have just sprouted or are exposed to extreme drought phases moderately.
Can yarrow also be grown in pots?
Basically, yarrow can also be grown in pots as a visual enrichment for the balcony or terrace. However, make sure to use planters that are as tall as possible so that the long roots of the yarrow are not restricted too much.
When and how are yarrows cut?
Yarrows don't actually need to be cut in the garden, but you can easily cut the flowers at any time during the summer flowering period for fresh bouquets and dry bouquets. Teas made from the dried flowers have the following effects:
- woundhealing
- appetizing
- Relieve stomach cramps and indigestion
If you cut off the flowers during the flowering period, this can stimulate a second flowering of the plants. To rejuvenate plants that tend to age, it is advisable to divide them approximately every three to four years.
Is yarrow susceptible to diseases or pests?
As a rule, yarrows are not very susceptible to pests or diseases. If there is an infestation with powdery mildew, the plants can be treated with preparations (€8.00 on Amazon) from specialist retailers. So that the yarrows, which are basically edible, are not chemically contaminated, you can also use a garlic broth or a milk-water mixture to combat mildew.
Should yarrow be fertilized?
Since yarrow does not place great demands on the soil, it usually does not need to be fertilized. Only particularly poor soils should be enriched with a little seasoned compost before planting.
How is yarrow overwintered?
Yarrow is easily hardy in outdoor beds; only specimens grown in pots should be protected from ground frost.
Tip
Since the yarrow flowers retain some of their color even when dried, the cut yarrow flowers are well suited for dry bouquets and autumnal arrangements.