Southernwood Yarrow Plant Care

Southernwood Yarrow (Achillea abrotanoides) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Achillea genus. Southernwood Yarrow is native to southeastern Europe. Southernwood Yarrow is also known as Ptarmica abrotanoides, Achillea montenegrina.

Southernwood Yarrow displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Southernwood Yarrow produces flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Achillea abrotanoides 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.

Southernwood Yarrow thrives in full sun to part shade.

Achillea abrotanoides grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Southernwood Yarrow prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Southernwood Yarrow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Southernwood 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Southernwood Yarrow can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to greek yarrow plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Southernwood 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.

Southernwood Yarrow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Southernwood Yarrow is native to southeastern Europe.