Yarrow

Achillea Millefolium

Growing Yarrow Plants

Grass, meadows, even roadsides and rocky gardens are all good for this herb. An extremely hardy perennial plant can grow almost everywhere. It easily spreads in poor soil and under the direct sunlight, has a very low need in fertilizing and watering. The best soil for yarrow growth is sandy, mulched and well-drained ground. The plant has strong roots that penetrate deeply into the ground and it is difficult to take them out. The best season to plant yarrow is spring. After the first frost plants must be cut out to an inch or two stems. As a perennial plant, yarrow can grow in the same place for a few years. Each year the soil must be mulched, especially in the hot climate, and plants must be thinned when growing in the same place for three years. Otherwise, yarrow can expand to the nearby areas and turn into fast spread weed, which is extremely hard to get rid of, as plants multiply their seeds very fast.
Yarrow is a native flower to the USA, most of the European countries and Asia with the flowering period from June to September. It is usually collected in August, during the pick of its blossom period.

Using Yarrow Flowers

Fresh yarrow is often used in rustic style bouquets and floral compositions. Yarrow flowers can be accompanied by roses, lavender, sunflowers, eucalyptus leaf and ornamental grasses. Florists often use dried yarrow, as it is easily preserved and even dried herbs have the spicy scent of fresh flowers. Another yarrow benefit is its medical power. Since the ancient times, its leaves have been the cure for many minor medical issues, because of its strong antiseptic features. Besides floral and decoration industry, yarrow oil and powder are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry.