A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 yarrow help any experts with yarrow

Hello, I have about 25 yarrow plants in my garden at least that many some new and some older plants , I find that yarrow flower heads turn brown or black by the end of June , I cut the blooms off but why do they turn so ugly so soon.?

Thanks jan

HI Jan I am no expert on yarrow plants.but from what i have read about the plants they require full sun and well drained soil they need to be watered at least one time a week in the dry season water at the roots not on the folage.the yarrows only bloom in June then again in september.make sure you cut all spent blooms after they dry up even though part of the plant might still be blooming just cut the dry ones.the older plants need to be devided about every 3 years and planted at about 18 to 20 inches apart.there are many different varitys and colors of yarrow. The taller ones need to be planted at the back of the flower beds.the yarrow blooms are short lived flowers but will atract all kinds of butterflys.also check to see if there might be some kind of insects on your plants.here are a couple of links you could check out on the yarrow plant.
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/Achillea.htm
http://www.blackanddecker.com/outdoor/plantcaredetail.aspx?Doc_ID=2061
hope this helps. your friend in gardening.mike57

Mike is right on(as usual). Yarrow is extremely tolerant of dry areas. New blossoms will continue to flow through September with little trimming.

Good Luck

Thank You.
Jan