Choose the Right Location

Sunlight: Achillea thrives in full sun. Select a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for Achillea. It can tolerate various soil types but prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil. Amend heavy or clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.

Planting Time

Spring or Autumn: Plant Achillea in the spring or autumn. This allows the plant to establish its roots before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

Planting Process

Digging Holes: Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the Achillea plant.

Spacing: Space multiple plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

Plant Depth: Place the plants in the holes at the same depth they were in the containers. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.

Watering

Initial Watering: Provide ample water after planting to help the roots establish. Water deeply, but be cautious not to overwater, as Achillea is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.

Established Plants: Once established, Achillea is relatively drought tolerant. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering.

Mulching

Mulch Benefits: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Mulch Depth: Keep the mulch depth around 2-3 inches but avoid piling it against the base of the plant.

Fertilisation

Low-Maintenance Plants: Achillea generally doesn’t require heavy fertilisation. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring is usually sufficient.

Avoid Excessive Nitrogen: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as they can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

Pruning

Deadheading: Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages continuous blooming and prevents self-seeding.

Autumn Clean up: Trim back the foliage in late autumn or early spring to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its appearance.

Pest and Disease Management

Resilient to Pests: Achillea is generally resistant to most pests but keep an eye out for aphids and treat them promptly.

Good Air Circulation: Planting with adequate spacing and providing good air circulation can help prevent diseases like powdery mildew.

Division

Division Period: Every 2-3 years, divide mature Achillea plants to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.

Spring or Autumn Division: Spring and Autumn are the best times for division. Lift the clumps, divide them, and replant the healthy sections.

Watering

Established Plants: Once Achillea is established, it is relatively drought tolerant. However, during prolonged dry spells, provide supplemental water to keep the soil consistently moist.

Deep Watering: When watering, ensure that the water reaches the root zone. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering.

Mulching

Maintain Mulch: Continue to maintain a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Mulch Renewal: Periodically replenish the mulch to keep it effective. Be sure to leave a small gap around the base of the plant to prevent moisture-related issues.

Fertilisation

Low-Fertility Approach: Achillea generally thrives in poor to moderately fertile soil. Avoid excessive fertilisation, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

Spring Fertilisation: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the spring to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular Deadheading: Throughout the growing season, continue to deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Autumn Clean up: In late Autumn or early spring, trim back the foliage to rejuvenate the plant. Remove any dead or damaged stems to promote a tidy appearance.

Pest and Disease Management

Monitoring: Regularly inspect your Achillea for pests such as aphids. Treat any infestations promptly to prevent damage.

Good Air Circulation: Ensure proper spacing between plants to promote good air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases like powdery mildew.

Division

Periodic Division: Every 2-3 years, consider dividing mature Achillea plants to maintain their vigour. Spring or Autumn is the best time for division.

Replanting: Lift the clumps, divide them into healthy sections, and replant them in well-prepared soil.

Support for Tall Varieties

Staking: If you have tall varieties of Achillea that may flop over, provide support with stakes or rings. This is especially important in areas with strong winds.

Winter Protection

Mulching in Winter: In colder climates, consider applying a layer of mulch in late Autumn to provide some insulation and protect the plant’s roots from winter extremes.

Leave Some Stems: While trimming back in Autumn, consider leaving some stems for winter interest and to provide habitat for beneficial insects.

By following these aftercare tips, you’ll maintain a healthy and vibrant Achillea garden. Remember to adapt these recommendations based on your specific growing conditions and the needs of the Achillea varieties you have planted. Enjoy the beauty of your yarrow throughout the seasons!

At Proctor’s Nursery, we are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive guidance on caring for your Achillea plants. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that certain factors, such as extreme weather conditions, are beyond our control. Extreme events, including severe frost, prolonged heatwaves, high winds, or heavy rainfall, can impact the health of your Achillea plants.

Our Advice

Weather Monitoring: Stay vigilant and regularly monitor local weather forecasts.

Extreme conditions may require additional protective measures for your Achillea.

Protective Measures: During periods of extreme weather, consider implementing protective measures, such as providing temporary shading during intense heat or covering plants during unexpected frost.

Aftermath Assessment: Following extreme weather events, assess the condition of your Achillea. If damage occurs, follow appropriate care steps, including pruning damaged parts and adjusting watering routines.

Limitations

Natural Variables: Achillea, like any living organism, is influenced by natural variables. Extreme weather events are inherent risks that may impact plant health despite best care practices.

No Guarantee: Due to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather, we cannot guarantee the outcome of your Achillea’s response to such conditions.

Plants may exhibit stress or damage beyond our control.

Customer Responsibility

Preventive Measures: We encourage you to take proactive measures based on weather forecasts and to implement protective strategies to minimise potential harm during extreme weather.

Adaptation: Recognise that Achillea, while resilient, may respond differently to various weather conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

Contact Us

If you have specific concerns or questions related to extreme weather impacts on your Achillea, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to offer guidance and support within the scope of our expertise.

Email: info@proctorsnursery.co.uk

Note: This disclaimer serves to acknowledge the unpredictability of extreme weather events and the associated risks to Achillea plants. You’re understanding and proactive care are key to ensuring the well-being of your garden.