Achillea millefolium is a hardy perennial herb known for its feathery foliage and flat clusters of flowers that attract pollinators. It grows very well in Tennessee and is one of the easiest drought-tolerant plants to maintain.
Growing Conditions
When to Plant
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Outdoors: early spring after frost or fall
Spacing
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Space plants 12–24 inches apart
Sun:
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Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
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Too much shade makes plants floppy
Soil:
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Well-drained soil is essential
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Prefers average to poor soil
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Avoid heavy fertilizing (it causes weak growth)
Water:
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Moderate water when young
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Once established, very drought tolerant
Hardiness:
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Zones 3–9
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Perfect for Tennessee gardens
Growing in Containers
Yarrow can grow in pots but prefers space.
Container size:
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Minimum 12 inches deep and wide
Soil mix:
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Regular potting mix
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Add sand or perlite for drainage
Tip:
Avoid overly rich soil or heavy fertilizer.
Care & Maintenance
Deadheading:
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Encourages more blooms
Cutting back:
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Cut plants halfway after first flowering to promote a second bloom
Dividing plants:
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Every 2–3 years in spring or fall
Support:
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Usually not needed unless plants are grown in shade
Benefits in the Garden
Yarrow is one of the best pollinator plants.
It attracts:
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Bees
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Butterflies
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Beneficial insects like lady beetles and lacewings
It can also help nearby plants by improving soil health and attracting pest predators.
Common Uses
Yarrow is traditionally used for:
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Herbal tea
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Salves and oils
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Pollinator gardens
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Drought-tolerant landscapes
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Cut flowers and dried bouquets
One Tip Many Gardeners Miss
Yarrow spreads easily by underground rhizomes.
To control it:
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Plant in borders or containers
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Divide plants regularly
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Remove spreading runners if needed
Harvesting & Using Yarrow
Achillea millefolium is a hardy perennial herb that grows extremely well in Tennessee’s climate. The flowers and leaves are the most commonly harvested parts and are used for teas, oils, salves, and traditional herbal remedies.
When to Harvest Yarrow
Best stage:
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When flower clusters are fully open
Best time of day:
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Morning after the dew dries
Best season in Tennessee:
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Late spring through summer
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Plants often bloom May–September
What to harvest:
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Flower heads (most medicinal compounds)
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Upper leaves and tender stems
How to Harvest
Use clean scissors or garden snips.
Cut 6–12 inches of the flowering stem.
Leave several stems so the plant continues blooming.
Harvest from healthy plants only.
Tip: Frequent harvesting actually encourages more blooms.
How to Dry Yarrow
Bundle Method (best for flowers)
Gather small bundles (8–10 stems).
Tie with string or rubber band.
Hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room.
Dry for 1–2 weeks.
The flowers are ready when they feel crisp and break easily.
Storage
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Store in airtight jars
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Keep in a cool, dark place
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Best used within 1 year
Yarrow Tea
Yarrow tea has been traditionally used for digestion, immune support, and colds.
Simple Tea Recipe
1 tsp dried yarrow (flowers or leaves)
1 cup hot water
Steps:
Pour boiling water over the herb.
Cover and steep 10–15 minutes.
Strain and drink.
Flavor: slightly bitter, earthy, and herbal.
Tip: Many people blend yarrow with mint or lemon balm to soften the flavor.
Making Yarrow Herbal Oil
Herbal oil is the base for salves and skin remedies.
Ingredients
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Dried yarrow flowers/leaves
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Olive oil, almond oil, or sunflower oil
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Glass jar with lid
Steps
Fill jar ½–¾ full with dried yarrow.
Cover completely with oil.
Stir to remove air bubbles.
Seal jar.
Infusion options
Solar method
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Place jar in a sunny window for 3–4 weeks
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Shake every few days
Quick method
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Warm gently in a double boiler 2–4 hours (very low heat)
Strain through cheesecloth and store in a dark bottle.
Shelf life: 6–12 months
Making Yarrow Salve
Yarrow salves are traditionally used for minor cuts, bruises, and skin irritation.
Ingredients
1 cup yarrow-infused oil
1 oz beeswax
Steps
Warm oil in a double boiler.
Add beeswax and melt.
Stir well.
Pour into small tins or jars.
Let cool and solidify.
Optional additions:
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Lavender oil
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Calendula oil
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Plantain leaf oil
Safety Note
Avoid using yarrow if you have allergies to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Pregnant individuals should avoid medicinal use.
Tip for Stronger Medicinal Yarrow
Plants grown in full sun with lean soil produce the highest concentration of medicinal oils. Too much fertilizer reduces potency.