Yarrow
British native · Wildflower
Yarrow is a tough, aromatic-looking British native perennial with feathery leaves and broad, flat clusters of tiny white flowers. It is common in grassland and on dry banks, flowering through summer. Its level flower heads and resilient nature make it a useful, unfussy component of sunny wildlife planting.
Why grow it
Yarrow earns its place through sheer usefulness: it copes with lean soil, drought and exposed positions while supplying many small insects with easy access to nectar. The flat flower heads also create a useful landing platform in meadow mixes. It is an RHS Plants for Pollinators choice and brings texture even when other flowers are between flushes.
How to grow it
Grow Yarrow in full sun on well-drained soil, including sandy, stony or chalky sites. It thrives best where fertility is low to moderate, so avoid regular fertiliser. Sow UK native-origin seed in autumn or spring over bare, prepared soil, pressing rather than burying it deeply, or plant plugs around 30 cm apart. Water until established, then allow it to cope with ordinary summer conditions. In meadow areas, cut in late summer after flowering and remove the cut material.
Wildlife value
Its many tiny flowers attract hoverflies, solitary bees, honeybees, bumblebees and small beetles. Butterflies can also use the flower heads as nectar stops in sunny weather. The dense, finely divided foliage creates sheltered spaces among meadow plants, and leaving some stems standing into winter benefits overwintering invertebrates.
Tips
Yarrow can spread by creeping roots, so divide or lift surplus garden-grown clumps if it becomes too assertive. Keep neighbouring grass competition low when plants are young. Choose UK native-origin seed or plants from reputable suppliers and leave wild populations untouched.
Growing Yarrow: frequently asked questions
Why grow yarrow in a UK garden?
Yarrow earns its place through sheer usefulness: it copes with lean soil, drought and exposed positions while supplying many small insects with easy access to nectar.
How do I grow yarrow?
Grow Yarrow in full sun on well-drained soil, including sandy, stony or chalky sites.
What wildlife does yarrow support?
Its many tiny flowers attract hoverflies, solitary bees, honeybees, bumblebees and small beetles.
Grow native plants of UK origin from reputable suppliers, never collected from the wild. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.