Yarrow in November: monthly care

Yarrow doesn't require heavy pruning, but a couple of well-timed cuts will keep plants tidy, encourage repeat flowering, and prevent excessive self-seeding. The main pruning window is March and November, though deadheading through the flowering season is equally important. In March, cut back any old stems you left standing over winter. Trim the whole plant down to just above the basal foliage—usually about 5–10 cm from the ground. This removes tatty growth and makes way for fresh shoots. Use clean secateurs or garden shears; yarrow stems are tough when dry, so sharp tools make the job easier. If you didn't cut back in autumn, March is your chance to tidy up before new growth begins in earnest. During the flowering period from June to August, deadhead spent flowerheads regularly. Snip them off just above a set of leaves or side shoots. This not only keeps the plant looking smart but often triggers a second, lighter flush of blooms later in summer. If you want yarrow to self-seed in informal areas, leave a few flowerheads to set seed in late summer, but be aware it can spread enthusiastically. In November, once flowering has completely finished and foliage begins to die back, cut the plant down to ground level again. Some gardeners prefer to leave the seedheads standing for winter interest and wildlife, then tidy up in early spring instead—both approaches work well. Yarrow is forgiving and bounces back reliably whichever schedule you choose.