How to grow Yarrow in New Zealand
Yarrow is a tough, long-flowering perennial with feathery leaves and flat heads of white, pink, red or yellow flowers from spring to late summer. It is one of the best plants for bringing ladybirds, hoverflies and tiny parasitic wasps into the garden, and it copes with drought. Wild yarrow spreads by creeping roots, so give it a spot where that does not matter.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Yarrow in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to April | Plant Aug to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Otago & Southland | September to April | Plant Sep to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
Where to plant
Plant yarrow in full sun in free-draining soil. It tolerates poor, dry soil and needs little care, which makes it useful on dry banks and at the edges of vegetable beds and orchards. Wild yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and some of its cultivars spread by creeping underground stems and can be hard to remove from a lawn, so plant it where it can be kept in bounds, or grow it in a pot. Hybrid cultivars that do not set seed are easier to live with.
- Northland to Wellington and Nelson: plant at most times of year, with spring the best.
- Canterbury: plant from August to April so roots establish before the hard frosts.
- Otago, Southland and Central Otago: plant from September to April (to March in Central Otago).
Choosing a variety
- Common white yarrow is the classic wild form, valued by bees and helpful insects.
- Hybrid cultivars come in pink, red, pastel and yellow, and are usually less invasive.
How to plant
- Sow seed in spring in clumps of two or three seeds 30 to 60 cm apart, lightly covered, or plant potted plants or divisions.
- Water in well and keep moist until established.
- Thin seedlings to the strongest plant in each clump.
Watering and feeding
Yarrow needs watering only in drought once it is established. It needs little or no feeding; rich soil makes it floppy.
Pruning and care through the year
- Cut off spent flower heads to encourage more flowers, or leave some for the birds and insects.
- Divide clumps every few years in spring or autumn to keep them vigorous and in their space.
- Pull out creeping runners that head into lawns or paths.
Harvesting
Snip leaves or flower stems back to the main stems as needed, which also encourages fresh growth. The flowers are good in fresh or dried arrangements. Leaves added to the compost heap are traditionally said to help it break down.
Growing in pots
A pot at least 30 cm wide and deep keeps yarrow contained. Place it in sun or part shade with a quality potting mix, and water when dry.
Companion planting
Yarrow is grown as a companion more than for itself: its flat flower heads feed the small predatory insects that keep pests down.
Good companions
- Brassicas Draws hoverflies and parasitic wasps that attack aphids and caterpillars.
- Tomato Brings in ladybirds and hoverflies that eat aphids and whitefly.
- Apple Planted through an orchard, it supports helpful insects and pollinators.
- Herbs (most kitchen herbs. for example basil, parsley, thyme, oregano and chives)
Pests and diseases
Yarrow is easy to grow and has very few pests or diseases.
Yarrow is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew A white coating on the leaves in humid, crowded spots late in summer.
Common questions
Does yarrow spread?
Wild yarrow and some cultivars spread by creeping underground stems and can be hard to get out of a lawn. Plant it where it can be kept in bounds, grow it in a pot, or choose a hybrid cultivar that does not set seed.
Why grow yarrow in a vegetable garden?
Its flat flower heads feed ladybirds, hoverflies and tiny parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids, caterpillars and other pests.
Does yarrow need much water?
No. Once established it needs water only in drought, and it copes with poor, dry soil.
When does yarrow flower?
From spring through to late summer. Cutting off spent heads encourages more flowers.
Can yarrow grow in a pot?
Yes. A pot at least 30 cm wide keeps it contained and stops it spreading through the garden.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow yarrow; Kings Seeds: Yarrow common white.