Pomegranate Yarrow
Pomegranate Yarrow
Deep Magenta-Red Clusters with Lasting Color
Pomegranate Yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate') delivers some of the richest color in the yarrow world, with broad, flat clusters of deep magenta-red flowers that hold their saturated tone well over aromatic, ferny green foliage. Blooming for weeks in summer, it's a butterfly and bee favorite that thrives in heat, drought, and lean soil. Deer-resistant and dependable, it's a bold, low-care choice for sunny Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine borders.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Achillea millefolium 'Pomegranate' |
| Mature Size | 18–24 in tall and wide |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | Summer (long blooming) |
| Flower Color | Deep magenta-red |
| Soil | Lean to average, well-drained; very drought tolerant |
Landscape Uses
Use Pomegranate in pollinator and sunny borders, prairie-style and gravel gardens, and mass plantings. It pairs beautifully with coneflowers, salvia, and ornamental grasses, and the flowers are excellent fresh or dried.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall in a sunny, well-drained spot.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill (avoid rich, heavy soil), water in, and mulch lightly. Good drainage keeps it sturdy.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply once a week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Little supplemental water needed; it's very drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering and rich soil, which cause floppy growth.
Drip Irrigation: Use sparingly; yarrow thrives on the dry side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the color hold?
Pomegranate holds its deep magenta-red better than many yarrows, fading more gracefully.
Is it good for pollinators?
Yes, the flat flower heads are a landing pad for butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 perennial, fully hardy statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the aromatic foliage makes yarrow reliably deer-resistant.
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Pair Pomegranate with our other yarrows, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses for a low-water, pollinator-friendly border.
How Many Pomegranate Yarrow Do I Need?
Yarrow looks best massed in sunny drifts. At its mature 18–24 inch spread, set plants about 20 inches apart; plant in drifts of 3–5 for a strong ribbon of magenta-red color.
| Run / Bed Length | Plants Needed (at 20 in. spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 3 plants |
| 10 ft | 6 plants |
| 15 ft | 9 plants |
| 20 ft | 12 plants |
Pomegranate Yarrow Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Aromatic, ferny green foliage forms low, weed-smothering mounds.
- Summer: Broad, flat clusters of deep magenta-red flowers open and bloom for weeks — a butterfly and bee magnet that holds its saturated color.
- Fall: Reblooms lightly if sheared; fading flower heads soften to muted tones and can be left for texture.
- Winter: Foliage retreats to a low basal rosette; the tough roots overwinter easily across Minnesota.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Paprika Yarrow — cherry-red-and-gold blooms for a layered, multi-tone yarrow drift
- Moonshine Yarrow — bright lemon-yellow heads that pop against the deep magenta-red
- New Vintage Red Yarrow — a compact red companion that keeps the planting tidy and full
- Autumn Fire Sedum — drought-tough late-season structure and pollinator nectar in the same lean, sunny bed
Is Pomegranate Yarrow Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soil, shrugging off heat and drought — ideal for prairie-style, gravel, and pollinator borders. Not a fit for shade or rich, heavy, wet ground, where it stretches, flops, and is short-lived.