How to Grow Yarrow Cerise Queen

Yarrow Cerise Queen

Achillea millefolium 'Cerise Queen'

flower

Cerise Queen is a vibrant cultivar of common yarrow featuring deep pink to red-cerise flower clusters atop feathery, finely divided green foliage. This hardy perennial blooms prolifically throughout summer and attracts pollinators while remaining drought-tolerant once established. It's an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and cut flower arrangements.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water moderately during establishment and extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering, especially in humid climates, as this encourages fungal issues. Well-established plants need minimal supplemental water.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first bloom from transplants

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds (light required for germination); transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy to loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Sand or gravel for drainage Perlite (if soil is heavy clay) Minimal organic matter (yarrow tolerates poor soil)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with delicate true leaves; foliage begins showing the characteristic feathery texture.

Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

Vegetative

4-6 weeks from seedlings, 2-3 months for seed-started plants

Plant develops a basal rosette of finely divided, feathery foliage with a soft, fern-like appearance. Growth is moderate to fast.

Allow soil to dry between waterings. No fertilizer needed; too much nitrogen reduces flowering. Remove any dead foliage.

Budding

1-2 weeks

Flowering stems elongate and multiple tiny flower buds cluster at the stem tips, still mostly green.

Continue moderate watering. Stake tall stems if needed in windy locations. No deadheading yet.

Flowering

6-10 weeks (June-August in most zones)

Abundant flat-topped flower clusters (corymbs) open in deep cerise-pink to magenta tones. Multiple stems flower simultaneously, creating a full display.

Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continuous blooming. Water only during extreme drought. Cut stems for arrangements as needed.

Decline & Winter Dormancy

2-4 months (September-March depending on zone)

Flower production slows as temperatures cool. Foliage may fade to bronze tones. Plant dies back completely in winter or retains evergreen basal foliage in mild climates.

Allow plants to dry out naturally. Cut back dead stems in late fall or early spring. Divide overcrowded clumps in spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Echinacea Lavender Russian Sage Sedum Catmint Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently moist soil (Hostas, Primrose) Nitrogen-heavy feeders in confined spaces Mint (can spread and compete aggressively)

Common Pests

Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or neem oil if severe. Plant resistant cultivars like Cerise Queen in well-ventilated locations.
Remove infected foliage; improve drainage and air flow. Fungicide spray if severe, but prevention is easier.
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water or miticide. These favor hot, dry conditions but rarely threaten established yarrow seriously.
Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering frequency. Remove infected plants if widespread. Improve soil amendment with sand/gravel.

Uses

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Herbal Tea & Digestive Aid

Culinary

Yarrow flowers and leaves can be dried and steeped into a traditional herbal tea traditionally used to support digestive health and circulation. The flowers have a slightly bitter, herbaceous flavor that works well in herbal blends. [source]

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Cut & Dried Flowers

Household

Cerise Queen is prized for fresh and dried flower arrangements due to its vibrant color and long vase life (7-10 days fresh, months when dried). Dried stems add texture and color to wreaths, swags, and craft projects. [source]

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Traditional Wound Healing

Medicinal

Yarrow has been used traditionally for centuries to support wound healing and skin health; the plant contains compounds like azulene and achilleine believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Always consult a healthcare provider before medicinal use. [source]

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Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

Cerise Queen attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout its long blooming season, making it invaluable for supporting local pollinator populations and ecosystem health. [source]

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Natural Floral Dye

Craft

Yarrow flowers and foliage have historically been used to create natural dyes for fabric and fiber arts, yielding soft yellow and greenish-brown tones depending on mordant used. [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 flower stems for arrangements when the cluster is fully open and just reaching peak color (mid-morning after dew dries). Use sharp scissors and remove no more than 1/3 of the plant per cutting. Flowers dry extremely well—hang bundles upside-down in a warm, airy location for 2-3 weeks. For continuous garden bloom, deadhead spent flower clusters by pinching or cutting just below the spent corymb. Late-season flowers can be left for late-season interest and seed for wildlife.

Fun Facts

🌱 Yarrow's genus name Achillea derives from the mythological Greek hero Achilles, who allegedly used yarrow to heal his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War.
🌱 Cerise Queen maintains its vibrant deep pink color remarkably well when dried, unlike some yarrow cultivars that fade significantly.
🌱 Yarrow leaves are finely divided to the point of appearing almost thread-like, an adaptation that helps the plant tolerate drought by reducing water loss through transpiration.

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