Where Can I Buy Yarrow

If you’re wondering where you can buy yarrow, you’re in the right place. This versatile perennial is a fantastic addition to any garden, and finding it is easier than you might think. Yarrow, with its fern-like foliage and clusters of cheerful flowers, is loved for its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators. Let’s look at the best places to find it and how to choose the right plant for your space.

The most reliable and immediate source for buying yarrow is your local plant nursery or garden center. These shops specialize in stocking plants that thrive in your specific climate and growing zone. You can see the plants up close, check their health, and often get expert advice from the staff. It’s a great way to ensure you’re getting a variety suited to your local conditions.

Benefits of Buying Yarrow Locally

Choosing a local nursery offers several key advantages:

Climate-Adapted Plants: They sell varieties proven to grow well in your area’s weather and soil.
Instant Gratification: You take the plant home the same day and can plant it immediately.
Health Inspection: You can examine the foliage for pests or disease and check the root system.
Expert Guidance: Staff can offer planting tips and care advice specific to your region.

What to Look for at the Nursery

When you’re at the garden center, keep these tips in mind to pick a winner. A healthy yarrow plant is the best start for your garden.

Look for plants with sturdy, upright stems and vibrant green or grey-green foliage (depending on the variety).
Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, wilting stems, or any signs of powdery mildew (a white, dusty coating).
Gently tip the pot to check the bottom. Roots should not be massively circling or growing thickly out of the drainage holes.
Check for buds or just-opening flowers rather than a plant that’s completely finished blooming, unless it’s late in the season.

Alternative Local Sources

If your main nursery is out of stock, don’t worry. Yarrow is popular and can be found in other spots too.

Farmers’ Markets: Many local growers sell perennials at weekly markets, often at great prices.
Plant Swaps or Garden Club Sales: These are excellent for finding unique varieties and getting plants divided from established gardens.
Big-Box Store Garden Centers: Stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s often carry common yarrow varieties, especially in spring.
Native Plant Sales: Check with local arboretums or conservation groups for sales featuring native yarrow species, which are superb for local wildlife.

Buying Yarrow Online: A Viable Option

If local sources don’t have the specific color or variety you want, online retailers are a fantastic resource. You can find a much wider selection, from the common white yarrow to vibrant reds, pinks, and yellows.

Here’s how to successfully order yarrow online:

Choose a Reputable Seller: Look for well-reviewed nurseries that specialize in perennials or native plants.
Understand the Product: Plants are often shipped as bare-root divisions or in small pots. Read the product description carefully.
Time Your Order: Order for the correct planting season (spring or fall) in your area. The seller will usually ship at the appropiate time.
Plant Immediately: When your plant arrives, unpack it and get it in the ground or a pot as soon as possible, following the included instructions.

Choosing the Right Yarrow for Your Garden

Yarrow isn’t just one plant. Knowing the different types helps you make the perfect choice. The classic common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) comes in many cultivated colors. There are also hybrid varieties with larger, showier flower clusters.

Common Yarrow: Tough, spreads readily, excellent for meadows. Colors include white, pink, and cerise queen.
Hybrid Yarrow (Achillea ‘Moonshine’): Bright yellow flowers with silvery-grey foliage. More clump-forming.
Fernleaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina): Tall with large, flat yellow flower heads. ‘Coronation Gold’ is a popular cultivar.
Dwarf Yarrow: Perfect for rock gardens or the front of a border, staying low to the ground.

Consider Your Garden’s Conditions

Almost all yarrow needs full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. They demand well-drained soil; soggy roots will quickly lead to rot. If you have heavy clay soil, you’ll need to amend it with compost or grit. Yarrow is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

How to Plant Your New Yarrow

Once you’ve brought your yarrow home, proper planting gives it a strong start. The process is simple and straightfoward.

Pick the Spot: Choose a sunny location with good drainage.
Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil about 12-15 inches deep. Mix in some compost if your soil is poor, but avoid rich fertilizers.
Dig the Hole: Make it twice as wide as the plant’s root ball and the same depth.
Place and Backfill: Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in around it with soil and gently firm it down.
Water Thoroughly: Give it a good drink to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch Lightly: A thin layer of mulch can help retain moisture, but keep it away from the plant’s crown.

Caring for Yarrow After Purchase

Yarrow is low-maintenance, but a little care encourages the best blooms and prevents problems. Water your new plant regularly during its first growing season to help it establish. After that, it will only need water during extended dry spells.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming and to prevent the plant from self-seeding everywhere. In late fall or early spring, cut the old foliage back to the ground. Every few years, you can dig up and divide clumps in the spring to rejuvenate them and get more plants—a great reason to share with friends!

Common Issues and Solutions

Yarrow is generally pest-resistant, but a couple issues can pop up. The main one is powdery mildew in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. To prevent this, ensure plants have plenty of space and are planted in full sun. Tall varieties sometimes need staking if they get leggy or flop over, especially in rich soil or partial shade.

FAQ: Buying and Growing Yarrow

Is yarrow easy to grow from seed?

Yes, yarrow is very easy to start from seed. You can sow it directly in the garden in fall or early spring, or start it indoors a few weeks before your last frost. The seeds need light to germinate, so just press them gently into the soil surface.

Can I buy yarrow plants at grocery stores?

Sometimes. In the spring, grocery stores with garden sections may carry basic perennials like yarrow. However, the selection is usually limited and the plants may not be as well-cared for as at a dedicated nursery. Always check the plant’s health carefully.

What is the best time of year to buy yarrow?

The best time is during the main planting seasons: spring and early fall. This gives the plant time to establish its roots before the stress of summer heat or winter cold. You’ll find the best selection at nurseries in the spring.

How much does a yarrow plant usually cost?

Prices vary, but you can typically expect to pay between $5 and $15 for a perennial-sized pot, depending on the variety and size of the plant. Bare-root divisions or plants at a garden club sale may be less expensive.

Will yarrow come back every year?

Absolutely. Yarrow is a hardy perennial. In most climates, it dies back to the ground in winter and sends up new growth from its roots each spring. It’s a reliable long-term plant for your garden that gets bigger each year.

Finding where you can buy yarrow is the first step to enjoying this wonderful plant. Whether you choose a local nursery for instant results or an online shop for a specific variety, you’re adding a tough, beautiful, and beneficial plant to your landscape. With its easy care and lovely blooms, yarrow is sure to become a favorite for many seasons to come.