How to Grow Summerwine Yarrow
Summerwine Yarrow
Achillea millefolium 'Summerwine'
flowerSummerwine Yarrow is a striking cultivar of common yarrow featuring deep burgundy-red flowers that fade to wine-red tones as they age, creating a beautiful color progression throughout the blooming season. This herbaceous perennial forms a dense, finely-textured foliage mound and produces flat-topped flower clusters (umbels) ideal for cutting and dried arrangements. It is extremely hardy, drought-tolerant, and attracts pollinators while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
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Example Summerwine Yarrow timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Summerwine Yarrow
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Summerwine Yarrow blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in cooler to moderate climates
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Seedling & Establishment
3-4 weeksTiny feathery cotyledons emerge; delicate finely-textured foliage develops. Plant grows as a low, spreading rosette.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Protect from strong winds.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeks (first season)Dense mounding foliage expands, with fine, fern-like leaves reaching 12-24 inches tall. Plant establishes strong root system.
Water moderately during dry spells. Begin reducing water frequency to encourage deep root development. Avoid fertilizing heavily (promotes excessive foliage, fewer flowers). Divide congested clumps in spring or fall.
Flower Bud Formation & Blooming
8-12 weeks (June-September in northern zones)Flower stems elongate above foliage. Flat-topped clusters of tiny deep burgundy-red florets form umbels. Color deepens with age, creating wine-red tones.
Deadhead spent flower clusters to promote continuous blooming through summer. Reduce water during blooming to concentrate flavor and color. Staking usually unnecessary unless in very windy sites.
Maturity & Late Blooming
Extends through fallFlower production continues; older flowers dry on the stem while new buds form. Foliage remains attractive.
Continue deadheading for extended bloom. Can be left to dry on plant for fall/winter interest and seed dispersal. Cut back foliage to 3-6 inches in late fall after frost kills back plant.
Dormancy
December-March (varies by zone)Plant enters winter dormancy; above-ground foliage dies back completely; roots remain alive in soil.
Allow winter mulch of 2-3 inches (straw, leaves) to accumulate for insulation in cold zones. Do not cut back until spring to protect crown. In spring, remove dead growth and apply fresh mulch. No water needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation by spacing properly. Water at soil level, not foliage. Reduce overwatering. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil at first sign. Choose resistant varieties.
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Remove infested foliage. Use row covers on young plants. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy.
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Increase humidity by misting. Spray with water to dislodge. Use miticide or horticultural oil in severe cases. Avoid excessive heat stress.
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Improve drainage with amendments and gravel mulch. Do not overwater. Avoid mulching directly against crown. Remove infected plants. Use well-draining soil mix.
Uses
Herbal Tea & Beverages
CulinaryYarrow flowers and leaves make a traditional herbal tea with a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor. Historically used in some cultures as a flavoring agent for beverages and as a bittering herb similar to hops. [source]
Traditional Medicine & Phytotherapy
MedicinalYarrow has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support wound healing, reduce inflammation, and promote digestive health. Contains compounds like achilleine and flavonoids with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. [source]
Cut & Dried Flower Arrangements
HouseholdSummerwine Yarrow's deep burgundy flowers are excellent for fresh bouquets and dry beautifully for long-lasting arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower crafts. The flowers maintain their color and structure when properly dried. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeSummerwine Yarrow is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects that provide pollination and natural pest control. Flat flower clusters provide ideal landing platforms for pollinators. [source]
Plant Dye Production
CraftYarrow flowers and foliage have been historically used to create natural dyes for textiles, producing warm yellow to olive tones depending on mordants and plant part used. A traditional dye plant in fiber arts and natural dyeing. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for fresh arrangements when the umbel is fully formed but some small florets are still opening (peak color stage). Cut stems early in morning after dew dries. For dried arrangements, cut when most florets are fully open; hang bundles upside-down in cool, dry place with good air circulation (7-10 days). Remove lower foliage before drying to prevent mold. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout summer to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding (plant self-seeds readily).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The genus name 'Achillea' is derived from the legendary Greek hero Achilles, who according to mythology used yarrow to heal wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War—earning it the traditional name 'Herbal of Achilles.'
- 🌱 Summerwine Yarrow self-seeds readily and can cross-pollinate with other Achillea varieties, so seedlings may not match the parent plant's color; deadhead spent flowers to prevent unwanted seedlings.
- 🌱 Yarrow's feathery, finely-divided foliage (the name 'millefolium' means 'thousand leaves') helps the plant conserve water in dry conditions by reducing leaf surface area and creating a microclimate with reduced transpiration.
Gardening Terms
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