Photo: PauluPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Sicilian Yarrow Plant Care
Achillea sicula Raf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Achillea ligustica, the southern yarrow or Ligurian yarrow, is a flowering plant in the sunflower family. It is native to southern Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Greece, western Balkans) and sparingly naturalized in scattered locations in North America.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Sicilian Yarrow?
Water Sicilian Yarrow every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Sicilian Yarrow Native To?
What Is the Sicilian Yarrow?
Sicilian Yarrow (Achillea sicula) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Achillea genus. Sicilian Yarrow is native to southern Europe and sparingly naturalized in scattered locations in North America. Sicilian Yarrow is also known as Achillea magna, Achillea sicula, Achillea sylvatica.
Sicilian Yarrow displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Sicilian Yarrow produces flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sicilian Yarrow?
Achillea sicula requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Sicilian Yarrow Need?
Sicilian Yarrow thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sicilian Yarrow Prefer?
Achillea sicula grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Sicilian Yarrow prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sicilian Yarrow?
Well-draining, sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Sicilian Yarrow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sicilian Yarrow?
Feed Sicilian Yarrow every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Sicilian Yarrow?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Sicilian Yarrow?
Sicilian Yarrow can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to southernwood yarrow plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sicilian Yarrow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sicilian Yarrow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Sicilian Yarrow?
Sicilian Yarrow is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Sicilian Yarrow Need?
Sicilian Yarrow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Sicilian Yarrow is native to southern Europe and sparingly naturalized in scattered locations in North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Sicilian Yarrow is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Achillea genus — compare its care with other Achillea species on PlantoScan.
Achillea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Sicilian Yarrow thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Achillea Species
Other Achillea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Achillea sicula Raf., family Asteraceae (first published in Précis Decouv. Somiol. 40. Jun-Dec 1814; et in Journ. Bot. ii. (1814) 271.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sicilian Yarrow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Paulu, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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