Achillea umbellata
Achillea umbellata · Asteraceae
📷 manfred.sause@volloeko.de · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant achillea umbellata: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Adult height
- 20 cm
- Flowering
- June to August
- Foliage
- Persistent, finely cut
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean regions and Asia Minor
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
This dwarf yarrow loves extreme drought: once established, very little watering needed. It prefers poor, rocky or sandy soils.
The common mistake
Too much compost or summer watering: it rots slowly and loses its compact shape.
The pro's trick
Harvest flowers in June-July in tight clusters and dry them: they'll hold their color and form for months.
Care
Exposure
Yarrow in umbels demands a location in full sun to thrive fully. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day are necessary for abundant flowering and compact growth. In partial shade, the plant will become leggy and flower less generously.
Watering
This plant is very tolerant of drought once established, thanks to its deep root system. Water moderately when planting and during active growth, then reduce gradually. In summer, watering every 10-15 days is enough; excess water promotes fungal diseases.
Soil
Yarrow prefers well-drained, poor to average soil, even chalky soil. It handles arid and rocky terrain without any problem. Absolutely avoid compact, wet soils or those enriched excessively with organic matter, which would promote rot.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flowers regularly to extend flowering. In late autumn or early winter, cut the plant back to ground level or 5-10 cm high. Cleaning dead leaves in early spring keeps the plant healthy and vigorous.
Fertilizer
Yarrow in umbels is undemanding and does not require regular fertilizer applications. A light compost application in spring is more than enough. Excess nitrogen makes it weak and reduces hardiness.
Diseases and pests
This plant is very resistant if well-placed and properly watered. The main risks are powdery mildew and rot in case of excessive moisture. In case of attack, improve aeration and reduce watering. Pests are rare on healthy yarrow.
Did you know?
The genus Achillea takes its name from the Greek hero Achilles, who reportedly used yarrow milfoil to treat the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War. Yarrow in umbels, more compact and lower than its cousins, was already prized by 19th-century alpine gardeners for its great robustness and elegant discretion in rock gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.