Commonly called Yarrow, traditional Achillea millefolium generously blooms with plentiful, flat-topped flowers that display a range of colors on each plant, like warm 'Terracotta' and playful 'Summer Pastels'. Vegetatively propagated Achillea ptarmica 'Peter Cottontail' blooms with cute-as a-button, cottonball flowers of pure white. This robust perennial member of the Asteraceae family thrives in a range of zones, and is winter hardy from zone 3 through zone 9.

Planting Achillea from healthy young plug plants (as opposed to starting from seed) gives your garden a stronger start. Upon receiving your plugs, unbox immediately, water well, and harden off the young plants to allow them to adjust to real-life conditions. Plant the plugs promptly after hardening off to avoid root binding. Ensure your soil is evenly moist upon transplant, and overhead water the plants while they establish in their new homes. Achillea thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 6.5–7, which is slightly alkaline. Once Achillea is established, it is drought tolerant and can tolerate poorer soils. This is a daylength-neutral plant that prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day; it can be planted in the early spring after your last outdoor frost, but must be protected from heavy freezes as a young plug plant. Alternatively, plant in the late summer or early fall (at least four weeks before first outdoor frost) to encourage strong root development before winter sets in.

Since Achillea is a hardy perennial, it is essential to give each plant enough space to grow for several years. Plant each plug 12 to 18 inches apart to allow optimal air circulation and strong growth. While actively growing, Achillea prefers temperatures of 60-75ºF. Pinching this plant is not 100% necessary, but keeping spent blooms deadheaded will encourage reblooming and keep your garden looking abundant throughout the season. Both Achillea millefolium and Achillea ptarmica types will achive at least 18 inches in height. Yarrow is generally pest-resistant, but encouraging airflow is essential in humid climates, as constant humid conditions can encourage rust and powdery mildew to take hold.

Yarrow of all kinds make excellent cut and dried flowers. They naturally have a long vase life, and hold their color well when dried in a cool, dry, dark environment. If you plan to harvest Achillea for cut flower use, harvest the stems when 70-80% of the flowers in the umbel are open. Cut your stems in the morning; this is the time when the plants are still cool and well-hydrated. Depending on the maturity of the flowers and your unique climate and conditions, Yarrow's color can fade or intensify–a quality that makes every bloom special and unique. These natural variations lend charm to any garden and add a rustic, elegant touch to home-grown fresh or dried floral arrangements.