Achillea
Achillea, or yarrow, carries flat, plate-like clusters of tiny densely-packed florets in sunny yellow, white, coral, pink and rusty red atop feathery foliage. Florists use it as a bold, textural filler whose horizontal heads add structure and a meadow-like, cottage-garden character. It is exceptionally long-lasting fresh and dries superbly, holding its colour for everlasting designs. Sturdy and sun-loving, it is a mainstay of rustic and seasonal summer work.
| Family | Asteraceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Northern Hemisphere (temperate regions) |
| Peak season | June, July, August |
| Availability | May, June, July, August, September |
| Stem length | 40–80 cm |
| Vase life | 7–12 days |
| Colors | yellow, white, coral, pink, red |
| Price tier | budget |
Cut stems at an angle and strip the lower ferny foliage, which fouls water fast. Condition in cool, clean water with flower food for several hours. Yarrow is very long-lived; refresh the water to prevent the strong-smelling stems from clouding it. To dry, hang small bunches upside down in a warm, dark, airy place.
- •Strip lower foliage to keep water clean
- •Change water often to avoid odour
- •Cut stems on a slant
- •Hang in bunches to dry well
- •Keep cool for the longest fresh life
3 named yarrow cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Achillea in season?
Achillea peaks in June, July, August, and florists can usually source it May, June, July, August, September. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Achillea last in a vase?
Expect 7–12 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Achillea?
Good substitutes for Achillea include Craspedia, Statice, Gypsophila, Globe amaranth. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Achillea symbolise?
Achillea is associated with healing, courage, everlasting love, protection.
How do you care for cut Achillea?
Strip lower foliage to keep water clean
