Perennials: Achillea millefolium

 

	60-75cm (2 - 2½ft)
	2-3ft
	June - August/September
	Deep, well-drained soil
	Full sun
	Fully hardy
	Stem rot, powdery mildew, rust
	Cut back in late fall
	Moist but well drained
	Medium

Achillea millefolium

Common Name: yarrow
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Europe to western Asia, North America
Bloom Color: White, pinks & yellows

Achillea millefolium to between two and two and a half feet (60-75cm) in height. It has leaves of deep green and flattish flower heads consisting of a multitude of tiny white to cerise daisy-like flowers. Pictured above is the popular, improved, variety "Cerise Queen" which has deep magenta-pink to almost red flowers and lovely fern-like, mid-green, folliage. For a bright yellow variety try "Flower of Sulphur" which has a more delicate folliage than most other varieties of Achillea millefolium.

Achillea millefolium will naturalize easily and the fragrant leaves and flowers are known to attract butterflies.

This is a fast growing perennial which is best if it is staked with bamboo canes before flowering to maintain form.

One of the easiest, and cheapest, ways to add color to your landscape or formal garden, Achillea millefolium is suitable for borders (though care must be taken to ensure that it does not become too invasive or leggy). Achillea millefolium can also be useed as a ground cover plant and can even be mowed using a rotary mower.

Other Uses

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is known to repel flies, ants and beetles and can be used to ward off mosquitoes.

It is an excellent compost activator which speeds up the composting process.

An essential oil can be extracted from the leaves which is widely used in herbal medicines. It is anti-inflamatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic astringent with other properties such as offering pain relief when the dried flowers are applied directly to the aching area such as toothache.

Achillea millefolium can also be used to make tea and can be added (in small amounts) to raw salads.

Its leaves can also be used as a cosmetic cleanser which is very good for greasy skin.

Important Note: Great care should be takeen when using Achillea millefolium for medicinal purposes or for disgesting as the plant is known to cause skin rashes and photosensitivity when used for a long period.

 

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