8 Perfect Achillea Companion Plants & 5 to Avoid

Today, I’m excited to share my insights on the best and worst companions for the versatile Achillea, also known as Yarrow. With its vibrant flowers and fern-like foliage, Achillea is a staple in any perennial border. Let’s dive into 8 ideal companion plants that enhance its beauty and 5 you should avoid to keep your garden thriving.

Good Achillea Companion Plants

Lavender

Lavender, with its soothing scent and beautiful purple blooms, complements Achillea’s vibrant colors perfectly. Both plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun, making them excellent partners in a low-maintenance garden.

• How to Plant Together:
  1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  2. Plant Lavender and Achillea about 18 inches apart to allow for airflow and growth.
  3. Water moderately until established, then reduce frequency.
  4. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Discover more about Lavender in our detailed guide here.

Sedum

Sedum, or Stonecrop, offers a striking texture contrast to Achillea with its succulent leaves. Their similar care requirements make them a match made in heaven for any sunny spot in your garden.

• Planting Instructions:
  1. Locate a spot that receives full sun for most of the day.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
  3. Space Sedum about 12 inches from Achillea to give both plants room to spread.
  4. Water sparingly, as both plants are drought-resistant.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage adds a beautiful height and color contrast with its airy, lavender-blue flowers. It complements Achillea’s flat flower heads and brings a different texture to the garden.

• Steps to Plant Together:
  1. Choose an area with full sun and well-draining soil.
  2. Plant Russian Sage approximately 2 feet apart from Achillea to allow for mature spread.
  3. Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency.
  4. Use mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.

Find out more about Russian Sage companions here.

Catmint

Catmint offers a lush, ground-covering texture with its grey-green foliage and soft lavender flowers. It attracts pollinators and adds to the biodiversity of your garden alongside Achillea.

• Co-Planting Guide:
  1. Select a sunny spot with good drainage.
  2. Space Catmint plants about 15 inches away from Achillea.
  3. Water both plants evenly until they are well-established.
  4. Apply a light layer of organic mulch to keep the roots cool.

Salvia

Salvia brings vertical interest and a splash of color with its spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers. Like Achillea, it enjoys full sun and well-draining soil, making them garden allies.

• How to Pair with Achillea:
  1. Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Space Salvia about 18 inches from Achillea to ensure both have room to grow.
  3. Water both plants evenly during the first growing season.
  4. Cut back Salvia in early spring to encourage bushier growth.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, with its bright yellow blooms, offers a cheerful color contrast to Achillea’s pastel shades. Both plants share a love for sun and tolerate dry conditions well.

• Planting Next to Achillea:
  1. Find a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  2. Plant Coreopsis approximately 12 inches from Achillea to give each plant space to flourish.
  3. Water regularly until established, then only as needed.
  4. Deadhead Coreopsis to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Discover the benefits of Coreopsis in companion planting here.

Echinacea

Echinacea, or Coneflower, enhances the wildlife appeal of Achillea by attracting butterflies and bees. Their tall, sturdy stems and large, daisy-like flowers provide a stunning backdrop.

• Companion Planting Steps:
  1. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Space Echinacea plants about 2 feet from Achillea to prevent overcrowding.
  3. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
  4. Apply a thin layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Explore Echinacea companion planting here.

Gaura

Gaura, with its delicate, butterfly-like flowers, adds whimsy and movement to the garden. It thrives under the same conditions as Achillea, making them perfect companions.

• How to Grow Together:
  1. Plant in a sunny area with well-draining soil.
  2. Space Gaura plants about 18 inches from Achillea.
  3. Water both plants evenly during their first growing season.
  4. Stake Gaura if necessary to support its tall, slender stems.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Achillea

Walnut Trees

Walnut trees exude juglone, a substance that proves toxic to numerous plant species, Achillea included. This chemical compound hampers growth and vitality, often resulting in the gradual deterioration of susceptible plants nearby.

Mint

Mint is known for its aggressive growth habit, which can quickly overtake and compete with Achillea for space and nutrients. ts rapid spread may suffocate Achillea, impeding its development and overall health.

Bamboo

Bamboo can be overly invasive, spreading rapidly and potentially smothering Achillea and other perennials in your garden. Its invasive nature can lead to Achillea being overwhelmed and smothered, hindering its growth and vitality.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron requires acidic soil conditions, which can clash with the alkaline preferences of Achillea, leading to poor growth and potential nutrient deficiencies. It’s best to avoid planting them together. Avoiding their cohabitation ensures Achillea’s thriving presence in your garden.

English Ivy

English Ivy, a vigorous vine, poses a threat to Achillea by spreading rapidly and forming dense mats that smother surrounding plants. Its aggressive growth habit can overshadow Achillea, depriving it of essential resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. This competition can weaken Achillea, making it more susceptible to diseases and stress. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid planting English Ivy near Achillea to ensure its optimal growth and vigor in your garden.