How big does Common yarrow grow?

About 80 cm × 80 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.5–1 m × 60–90 cm.

Is Common yarrow hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Common yarrow toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Common yarrow flower?

Flowering: June–September, white, pink, red, yellow.

How much water does Common yarrow need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Common yarrow cost?

It sells for roughly €3.90 to €17 in local shops, depending on size.

Common yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial that reaches 80 cm × 80 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of Common yarrow — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A tough native perennial with finely cut, aromatic foliage and flat flower heads that bees and butterflies visit all summer; garden cultivars also come in pink, red and yellow. It is happiest in sun on lean, well-drained soil and shrugs off drought, but in rich, moist soil it grows leggy and flops. It spreads by runners and by seed, so cut it back after flowering and divide the clumps every few years.

Watch out for

In rich or moist soil the stems stretch and flop after rain and wind. It spreads strongly by runners and seed and can move from the border into the lawn. Root rot occurs in waterlogged soil, and powdery mildew and rust in crowded clumps.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 80 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, white, pink, red, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 80 cm
Ultimate size	0.5–1 m × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, white, pink, red, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €3.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €3.90 – €17

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

Compare with similar plants

Common yarrow vs Lesser calamint