Can You Transplant Yarrow? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, you can absolutely transplant yarrow, and it's generally a very resilient plant that handles being moved quite well. Whether you're relocating an existing clump or dividing an overgrown plant, yarrow is known for its tough nature and ability to re-establish itself successfully in a new location, provided a few key steps are followed.

Why Transplant Yarrow?

There are several good reasons why a gardener might choose to transplant yarrow. Understanding these motivations can help you decide if moving your yarrow plants is the right course of action for your garden.

Common reasons to transplant yarrow:

1. Overcrowding and Rejuvenation: Yarrow is a vigorous spreader, especially varieties of common yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Over time, a single plant can form a dense clump that becomes overcrowded, leading to reduced vigor, fewer flowers, and potentially dying out in the center. Transplanting by division rejuvenates the plant, giving it new space to grow.
2. Relocation: You might want to move an existing yarrow plant because:
   • It's in the wrong spot (too much shade, too little sun, clashing with other plants).
   • You're redesigning your garden bed.
   • You want to fill a new area of the garden.
3. Propagation and Sharing: Dividing and transplanting is an excellent way to propagate yarrow and increase your stock of plants. This allows you to fill more areas of your garden for free or share starts with friends and neighbors.
4. Improving Plant Health: If a yarrow plant is struggling due due to poor soil, root competition, or disease in its current location, moving it to a more suitable spot can revive its health.
5. Controlling Spread: For aggressive spreading varieties, transplanting by division can be a method of managing its spread and preventing it from taking over other plants.

In all these scenarios, the goal is to give the yarrow plant a better opportunity to thrive, bloom profusely, and contribute to the beauty of your garden. Its hardy nature makes it a prime candidate for successful transplanting.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Yarrow?

Timing is crucial for successful transplanting yarrow. Moving a plant at the right time of year minimizes stress and maximizes its chances of re-establishing quickly and vigorously in its new home.

The best time to transplant yarrow is generally during its dormant or semi-dormant periods, when it's not actively putting a lot of energy into flowering or rapid growth.

• Early Spring (Recommended): This is often considered the ideal time.
  • Why: The plant is just beginning to emerge from dormancy. It hasn't expended much energy on new top growth or flowering.
  • Benefits: Cooler temperatures and spring rains help reduce transplant shock and provide consistent moisture for root establishment. The plant has the entire growing season ahead to recover and establish itself before the stress of summer heat.
• Early Fall: This is another excellent window, particularly for regions with milder winters.
  • Why: After the peak summer heat and often after the main flowering flush, the plant starts to slow down its growth.
  • Benefits: Cooler air temperatures, but the soil is still warm enough to encourage new root growth before winter dormancy. This gives the plant several weeks to establish roots before freezing temperatures arrive.
• Avoid Summer: Do not transplant yarrow during the heat of summer, especially when it's actively blooming. The combination of transplant shock, high temperatures, and intense sun will put too much stress on the plant, significantly increasing the risk of failure.
• Avoid Late Fall/Winter: Transplanting too late in the fall, just before hard freezes, won't give the roots enough time to establish, leaving the plant vulnerable to frost heave and winter kill.

Planning your yarrow transplanting for early spring or early fall will give your plant the best possible start in its new location.

What Supplies Do You Need to Transplant Yarrow?

Having the right tools and materials on hand makes the yarrow transplanting process smoother, more efficient, and less stressful for both you and your plant. Most of these are standard gardening supplies.

Here's a list of supplies you need to transplant yarrow:

• Shovel or Spade: For digging up the existing plant and preparing the new planting hole.
• Garden Fork: Useful for gently loosening soil around the plant and when dividing larger clumps.
• Sharp Knife or Spade (for division): If you're dividing an overgrown clump, you'll need a sharp tool to cut through the root ball. A garden trowel set might also be useful for smaller divisions.
• Wheelbarrow or Tarp: To move the plant from its old location to the new one, minimizing mess and damage.
• Watering Can or Hose: For thoroughly watering the plant before and after transplanting.
• Compost or Well-rotted Manure: To amend the soil in the new planting hole, providing nutrients and improving soil structure.
• Rooting Hormone (Optional): Can sometimes help stimulate root growth, especially if you're taking small divisions or cuttings, but yarrow usually roots easily without it.
• Gardening Gloves: To protect your hands from soil and potential skin irritation.
• Buckets or Larger Pots (Optional): If you're moving multiple divisions or need to temporarily hold the plant.
• Small Hand Pruners: For trimming back foliage if needed, or removing any damaged roots. A good pair of bypass pruners is always a garden essential.

Ensuring you have all these items ready before you start digging will make the yarrow transplanting experience much more manageable and increase the likelihood of success for your hardy perennial.

How to Transplant Yarrow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transplanting yarrow is a relatively simple process due to its robust nature, but following these steps carefully will maximize its chances of thriving in its new home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transplanting Yarrow:

1. Prepare the New Planting Site: (Do this BEFORE digging up the old plant!)

   • Location: Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) and well-draining soil. Yarrow tolerates poor soil but thrives in average to lean conditions.
   • Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the current root ball of your yarrow plant and roughly the same depth.
   • Amend the Soil: Mix in a good amount of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil you removed from the hole. This will enrich the new planting environment.
   • Water the Hole: Lightly water the prepared hole to pre-moisten the soil.

2. Prepare the Old Plant:

   • Water Thoroughly: Water the yarrow plant deeply a day or two before you plan to transplant. This helps hydrate the roots and ensures the soil around the root ball holds together better.
   • Prune Foliage (Optional): If the plant is very large or in full bloom, you can cut back about a third to a half of the foliage. This reduces the amount of stress on the roots, as there's less foliage for them to support after transplanting.

3. Dig Up the Yarrow:

   • Circular Trench: Use your shovel or spade to dig a trench around the perimeter of the yarrow clump, about 6-8 inches away from the center of the plant. Aim for a generous root ball.
   • Lever and Lift: Gently work the shovel underneath the root ball, prying it up from the ground. Be careful to get as much of the root system as possible. If it's a very large clump, you might need help.
   • Move Carefully: Place the dug-up plant (with its intact root ball) onto a tarp or into a wheelbarrow for transport to the new location.

4. Divide the Plant (If Desired):

   • If your yarrow clump is overgrown and you want to propagate it, now is the time to divide it.
   • Lay the root ball on the tarp. Use a sharp knife, spade, or even your hands to gently pull or cut the clump into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and at least 2-3 growing stems. Discard any old, woody, or dead center parts.

5. Plant in the New Location:

   • Position: Place your yarrow plant (or divisions) into the prepared hole. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface.
   • Backfill: Carefully backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove large air pockets. Do not bury the crown of the plant too deeply.
   • Water Thoroughly: Water the newly planted yarrow deeply and slowly. This settles the soil around the roots and eliminates any remaining air pockets.

6. Post-Transplant Care: (See next section for more details)

By following these steps, your yarrow transplant should take quickly and continue to flourish in its new spot.

Post-Transplant Care for Yarrow

After transplanting yarrow, the period immediately following is crucial for its successful establishment in the new location. Proper post-transplant care helps reduce stress and encourages robust root growth.

Here's how to care for your yarrow after transplanting:

1. Consistent Watering:

   • Initial Weeks: For the first 2-4 weeks after transplanting (or until you see significant new growth), keep the soil consistently moist. Water deeply every few days, especially if there's no rain.
   • Avoid Overwatering: While consistent moisture is key, avoid making the soil soggy, as yarrow dislikes "wet feet." Using a soil moisture meter can help you gauge when to water.
   • Establishment: Once established, yarrow is quite drought-tolerant, but continued regular watering (perhaps once a week during dry spells) during its first season in the new location will promote strong root development.

2. Provide Some Shade (Temporarily, if Needed):

   • If you transplanted during warmer weather or your new spot is particularly sunny, providing temporary shade for the first week or two can significantly reduce transplant shock. A garden umbrella or even a piece of cardboard can offer protection during the hottest part of the day. This is especially true if you didn't prune the foliage much.

3. Monitor for Stress:

   • Wilting: It's normal for yarrow to show some signs of wilting for a few days after transplanting. This is transplant shock. Ensure it's getting enough water (but not too much).
   • Yellowing Leaves: A few yellowing leaves at the bottom are also normal as the plant adjusts. Remove them. Persistent yellowing could indicate too much water or not enough drainage.
   • Lack of New Growth: If you don't see any signs of new growth (new leaves emerging) within a few weeks, continue with consistent watering and ensure adequate light.

4. Avoid Fertilizing Immediately:

   • Newly transplanted plants are sensitive. The amendments you added to the planting hole should provide enough nutrients for initial establishment. Fertilizing too soon can stress the tender new roots.
   • Wait until you see robust new growth (typically 4-6 weeks) before considering a very light, balanced fertilizer if your soil test indicated a need. Yarrow generally thrives in lean conditions and doesn't require heavy feeding.

5. Pest and Disease Watch:

   • Stressed plants are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for common yarrow issues, although it is generally quite pest-resistant.

By giving your transplanted yarrow this focused care for the first month or so, you'll help it recover from the move and establish a strong foundation for years of beautiful blooms.

What is the Best Way to Divide Yarrow?

Dividing yarrow is not only an excellent way to transplant it, but it's also a recommended practice for rejuvenating overgrown plants and creating new ones. Because yarrow spreads via rhizomes (underground stems), division is a very effective and relatively easy method of propagation.

Best Way to Divide Yarrow (Step-by-Step):

1. Choose the Right Time: Early spring (just as new growth emerges) or early fall are the best times. Avoid summer heat.

2. Prepare the Tools: You'll need a sharp spade or shovel, a sturdy garden fork, and potentially a sharp knife or hand saw for tougher clumps. Ensure tools are clean.

3. Water the Plant: Water the existing yarrow clump thoroughly a day or two before dividing to hydrate the roots and loosen the soil.

4. Dig Up the Clump:

   • Using your spade, dig a circular trench around the perimeter of the yarrow clump, leaving a generous margin (about 6-8 inches from the center).
   • Work the spade underneath the root ball, prying it up gently. Aim to get as much of the root system as possible.

5. Examine the Root Ball:

   • Once the clump is out, shake off some excess soil so you can see the root structure.
   • You'll notice a dense network of roots, often with older, woody sections in the center and younger, more vigorous growth around the edges.

6. Separate Divisions:

   • For Smaller Clumps: You might be able to gently pull apart sections of the root ball by hand.
   • For Larger, Denser Clumps:
     • Use a sharp spade or knife to cut the clump into smaller sections.
     • Alternatively, place two garden forks back-to-back in the center of the clump and gently pull the handles apart to split the clump into two.
   • Key Principle: Each division needs to have a healthy portion of roots and at least 2-3 strong growing shoots (eyes or stems) attached.
   • Discard Old Center: The very center of an old, woody clump is often less vigorous. It's best to discard these parts and focus on replanting the younger, healthier outer sections.

7. Prepare Divisions for Replanting:

   • Trim any excessively long or damaged roots.
   • You can also trim back about one-third of the foliage on each division to reduce transplant shock, especially if it's already grown tall.

8. Replant Promptly: Plant the divisions in their new, prepared locations as soon as possible after dividing (refer to the "How to Transplant Yarrow" section for planting steps).

By following these guidelines, you can effectively divide yarrow, rejuvenate your existing plants, and expand your garden with healthy new specimens.

What are the Ideal Growing Conditions for Yarrow?

Understanding the ideal growing conditions for yarrow will ensure your transplanted or newly divided plants thrive in their new home. Yarrow is well-loved for its tough, drought-tolerant nature, but it performs best when its basic needs are met.

Here are the ideal growing conditions for yarrow:

1. Sunlight:

   • Full Sun: Yarrow absolutely loves sun. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms and maintain a sturdy, upright habit.
   • Partial Shade: While it can tolerate some partial shade, too much shade will lead to leggy, weak growth and significantly fewer flowers.

2. Soil:

   • Well-Draining: This is critical. Yarrow detests "wet feet" and will suffer from root rot in poorly draining, soggy soil.
   • Average to Lean Soil: It actually prefers average to lean (not overly rich) soil. Overly fertile soil can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and make stems floppy.
   • pH: Tolerates a wide range of pH, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.5).
   • Texture: Any well-draining soil (sandy, loamy, even rocky) is usually fine. Clay soils benefit from significant amendment with organic matter to improve drainage.

3. Watering:

   • Establishment: As with all new plants, newly planted or transplanted yarrow needs consistent watering until it establishes its root system (usually the first growing season). A watering wand provides a gentle flow.
   • Mature Plants: Once established, yarrow is remarkably drought-tolerant. It prefers dry conditions and rarely needs supplemental watering unless there are prolonged periods of extreme heat and drought. Overwatering is more likely to be a problem than under-watering.

4. Air Circulation:

   • Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, especially in humid climates. Plant yarrow with adequate space between plants.

5. Fertilization:

   • Minimal Needs: Yarrow generally does not require much fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer, especially high-nitrogen fertilizers, can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
   • Annual Compost: A light top-dressing of compost in early spring is usually sufficient to provide adequate nutrients.

By planting yarrow in a sunny spot with well-draining, average soil, and providing proper watering during establishment, you'll be rewarded with a low-maintenance, colorful, and long-blooming perennial that is a magnet for pollinators.

Is Yarrow an Invasive Plant? (And How to Manage Its Spread)

The question of whether yarrow is an invasive plant is nuanced. While it's not typically classified as an "invasive species" in the ecological sense (meaning it doesn't usually disrupt native ecosystems aggressively outside its native range), many common varieties of yarrow, particularly the species Achillea millefolium, can be quite aggressive spreaders in a garden setting.

Why Yarrow Spreads Aggressively:

• Rhizomatous Growth: Yarrow spreads primarily through underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes grow horizontally, sending up new shoots (new plants) along their length, creating a spreading clump.
• Self-Seeding: While rhizomes are the main method of spread, some varieties of yarrow can also readily self-seed, dropping their seeds and producing new plants. This is more common with the species Achillea millefolium than with some of the more ornamental cultivars.

How to Manage Yarrow's Spread:

1. Choose Less Aggressive Varieties:
   • If spread is a concern, select cultivars that are known to be less aggressive or "clumping" rather than "spreading." Some newer varieties have been bred for more contained growth. Always check plant tags for growth habits.
2. Regular Division:
   • Dividing your yarrow clumps every 2-4 years (as described in the "Best Way to Divide Yarrow" section) helps to control its size and vigor. This removes the older, less productive center and encourages fresh growth, while also giving you a chance to contain its spread.
3. Containment Barriers:
   • For particularly aggressive varieties or in areas where you want strict control, consider planting yarrow with a root barrier. This can be a physical barrier made of plastic edging or metal sunk into the ground around the planting area, extending 6-12 inches deep to block rhizome spread.
4. Plant in Containers:
   • If you're very concerned about spread, planting yarrow in large containers (pots) is an effective way to keep it completely contained. Just ensure the pot has good drainage.
5. Deadheading to Prevent Self-Seeding:
   • Regularly deadhead spent flowers before they go to seed. This significantly reduces the chances of unwanted seedlings popping up around your garden. A good pair of hand pruners makes this task easy.
6. Regular Weeding/Pulling:
   • Keep an eye on areas around your main yarrow clump. If new shoots appear where you don't want them, pull them out promptly before their root systems become established.

While yarrow may not be ecologically invasive in many regions, its garden habits certainly warrant attention if you want to maintain a tidy and diverse planting bed. With proper management, you can enjoy its beauty without it becoming a nuisance.