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Yarrow

Herbs

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

An ancient aromatic perennial with ferny foliage, useful flowers and a reputation for surviving where fussier plants fail.

PerennialDrought tolerantPollinator friendly
Awaiting restock

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

This plant is currently awaiting restock.
LifecyclePerennial (long-lived and reliably returning each year)
PositionFull sun to partial shade
SoilVery adaptable, but best in free-draining soil in sun. Rich soil can make plants floppy.
Garden sizeUpright growth reaching 40–80 cm tall, spreading gradually through clumps
ContainerSuitable for containers (minimum 25–30 cm diameter); thrives best in open ground with good drainage
Historic erasAncient

Why it belongs in a forgotten garden

Yarrow — the story

Why grow it?

Yarrow is less a vegetable than a historic multipurpose herb: tough, aromatic, pollinator-friendly and capable of thriving in lean, dry ground.

History & context

One of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants in Europe, Yarrow has followed people for millennia, growing along paths, fields, and settlement edges. Revered in ancient and medieval traditions alike, it was valued not only for its healing properties but for its reliability and ease. Hardy, aromatic, and deeply rooted in folklore, Yarrow embodies the practical wisdom of early gardens.

Explore its place in Ancient garden history.

Growing guide

How to grow Yarrow

Soil & position

Very adaptable, but best in free-draining soil in sun. Rich soil can make plants floppy.

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Water

Water while establishing; mature plants are strongly drought tolerant.

Propagation

Easy from seed or division. Divide vigorous clumps to control spread and rejuvenate plants.

Sowing referenceSow Feb–Apr or Aug–SepDepth: 2 mm • Cold treatment: Optional

Ongoing care

Cut spent flower stems to encourage tidier regrowth, or leave seedheads for winter structure. Divide when clumps become too broad.

From garden to kitchen

Harvesting & eating it

When to harvest

Young leaves can be taken in spring; flowering tops are gathered in summer for traditional herb uses. Culinary use should be modest because flavour is bitter and aromatic.

Harvest young leaves sparingly and cut flower heads when freshly open. Leave some flowers for insects and seed.

What is edible?

Young leaves and flowers are used in small quantities as aromatic/bitter flavourings.

Flavour & cooking

Young leaves can be used sparingly in salads or cooked dishes, offering a slightly bitter, aromatic flavour. More commonly, Yarrow has been used as a herbal infusion or flavouring, where its distinctive taste can be appreciated in moderation.

Food value

Yarrow is not a bulk food plant. Historic medicinal uses are extensive, but they should be presented as cultural history rather than evidence of modern therapeutic benefit.

Traditional medicinal uses, where mentioned in the historical material, are included as history rather than medical advice.

Kitchen history

Yarrow, lemon & herb salt

A tiny amount of young Yarrow gives a bitter, aromatic edge; this is a seasoning, not a bowlful of greens.

A modern culinary use. Yarrow has a long history in herbal traditions, but this recipe is about flavour, not medical use.

You’ll need

  • 2 tbsp very finely chopped young Yarrow leaves
  • 100 g flaky or coarse sea salt
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tsp chopped thyme or parsley
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Method

  1. Choose young Yarrow leaves and chop them very finely; the flavour is strong and bitter.
  2. Mix with salt, lemon zest, other herb and pepper.
  3. Spread on a tray and leave to dry completely in a warm airy place, or use a very low oven.
  4. Rub through your fingers to break up clumps.
  5. Store airtight and use sparingly.

How tough is it?

Resilience, pests & garden value

Resilience

Exceptionally tough and drought tolerant, Yarrow thrives in poor soils and exposed conditions where many plants fail. Its deep roots and self-sufficiency make it a dependable, low-maintenance perennial — a plant shaped by survival as much as tradition.

Pests & practical problems

Exceptionally resilient. Very few pests are serious; plants may spread by rhizomes where conditions suit them.

Wildlife value

Flat flower heads are excellent landing platforms for hoverflies, bees and many other beneficial insects.

Growing in a container

Suitable for containers (minimum 25–30 cm diameter); thrives best in open ground with good drainage

Container plants generally need more frequent watering and feeding than the same plant in open ground.

Ready to grow it?

Yarrow

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

Awaiting restock

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