Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Filler, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Common Yarrow is a hardy perennial with ferny, bright green foliage. It has a tight cluster of white flowers and typically blooms in the summer months. It attracts bees and butterflies. It prefers full sun and becomes drought tolerant once it's established. Following bloom, dead head spent flowers to keep it looking tidy. Once established, it can spread rapidly and overwhelm less vigorous and smaller perennials; this can be an asset if planned for accordingly.

Many different cultivars of Yarrow are available, with different flower colors, including yellows, reds, peaches, and pinks. Yarrow makes a good ground cover when mowed, and tolerates a fair amount of foot traffic. Divide in the spring every few years as the centers can sometimes melt out. Grow in full sun to part shade in well drained soils. Tolerates clay soils. Yarrows are best not planted next to slower-growing and smaller perennials, as they may overtake and overwhelm them.