Yarrow Cerise Queen

Yarrow is very undemanding in this regard. It thrives best in permeable, rather drier and poorer soil. Loamy-sandy or gravelly substrates are ideal.

Note on fertilizing:

• Do not fertilize: Overly rich soil or the addition of nitrogenous fertilizers will cause the plant to grow too vigorously, resulting in soft stems that will sprawl on the ground.
• Heavy and waterlogged clay soils should be lightened with sand or fine gravel before planting.

Yarrow is considered mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if consumed in large quantities. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation. For sensitive people (and animals), contact between the leaves and skin during sunny weather can trigger an allergic reaction (dermatitis). We recommend using gloves when handling the plant if you have sensitive skin.

In the first weeks after planting, water the seedlings regularly so the root ball does not dry out and the plant establishes well. However, once the Yarrow roots (indicated by new growth), it becomes a plant that is very drought-resistant. Water mature plants only during periods of prolonged drought and heatwaves. Waterlogging harms it more than a lack of water.

The 'Cerise Queen' Yarrow is fully frost-hardy (down to -40 °C) and overwinters without problems in our conditions. It does not need any special protection for winter. You can cut the dry stems close to the ground in autumn, or leave them throughout the winter as a shelter for insects and a garden decoration (they look beautiful when frosted) and cut them back early in spring before new growth starts.

Yes, Yarrow is a sun lover. Choose a full sun location for 'Cerise Queen'. In the shade, the plant suffers, stretches towards the light, and its stems become weak and tend to flop (fall over). Plenty of sun also ensures deeper coloring of the pink flowers and compact clump growth.

You can plant Yarrow seedlings in spring (April–May), as soon as the risk of severe frosts has passed, or in autumn (September–October). If you plant in spring, the plant will have time to root well by summer and often blooms in the same year. With autumn planting, the plant focuses on the root system and will delight you with flowers in the following season. It is important not to plant seedlings in frozen soil or during extreme summer heat.

Yarrow is a relatively healthy plant, but the following may appear:

• Aphids: Occasionally attack young shoots.
• Powdery mildew (white mold on leaves): Occurs if the plant is in a location with poor air circulation or is too shaded and damp. Prevention involves planting in a sunny, airy spot and maintaining sufficient spacing between plants.

Although Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) is a known medicinal plant, the 'Cerise Queen' cultivar is bred primarily for ornamental purposes. The young leaves are edible (they have a bitter, spicy taste) and can be used in small quantities in salads, but for medicinal purposes (teas, compresses), the original wild form with white flowers is recommended as it has a higher content of active substances.

This is completely natural for the 'Cerise Queen' cultivar. The flowers open as deep pink to purple ('cerise' means cherry red), but over time, under the influence of the sun, they fade to pale pink or almost white. Thus, you can have several shades of pink on one plant at the same time, which looks very decorative.

Definitely yes. Removing spent stems has two main advantages:

1. Encouraging further blooming: If you cut back the plant immediately after the first flowering, it often re-blooms later in the summer.
2. Appearance: You prevent seed formation, which can exhaust the plant, and the clump will look neater.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) spreads via underground rhizomes and can be relatively expansive, especially in favorable conditions. It forms dense carpets. We recommend:

• Digging up and dividing the clump every 3–4 years in spring or autumn.
• This limits its size and simultaneously rejuvenates the center of the plant, which tends to become woody and bare over time.

Thanks to its wild appearance, it is perfectly suited for natural and prairie plantings. It looks excellent combined with:

• Ornamental grasses (e.g., Stipa, Miscanthus)
• Coneflowers (Echinacea, Rudbeckia)
• Salvias (Salvia nemorosa)
• Asters (Aster) These communities have similar sun and watering requirements.

Yes, it is an excellent cut flower! Harvest the stems when the flowers are fully open, but before they start to turn brown. They last up to 10 days fresh in a vase. Furthermore, they are perfect for drying for winter decorations – dry them hanging upside down in a dark and airy place to preserve their color.

As soon as the package arrives, unpack the seedlings and check if the substrate is moist. If it is dry, water it slightly. Before planting the plant in its permanent location, leave it for 1–2 days in a shady spot outdoors (provided it is not freezing) to acclimatize to the outdoor air and avoid shock from direct sun. Then you can plant it in the bed.

This is the most common problem caused by overly rich soil, excessive watering, or a lack of sun. Yarrow is a plant built for harsh conditions. If you 'pamper' it with fertilizer and shade, the stems will soften and fail to support the weight of the flowers. The solution is to transplant it to a sunnier spot with poorer soil.