The Pearl Yarrow is a reliable perennial workhorse for gardeners seeking pristine, long-lasting cut flowers. This compact cultivar grows to a neat 28-30 inches and produces distinctive pearl-white blooms that dry beautifully, making it equally valuable fresh or preserved. Hardy from zones 2 through 9, it thrives in moderate water and slightly acidic to neutral soil, reaching harvestable maturity in 110-120 days. The open-pollinated genetics mean you can save seed year after year, anchoring it as a perennial that gives back.
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Moderate
2-9
30in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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The Pearl Yarrow earns its common name honestly: its pristine white flower clusters resemble tiny pearls clustered along sturdy stems, perfect for cutting at peak bloom or hanging to dry for lasting arrangements. Light is essential for germination, a quirk that rewards careful seed starting but pays dividends in vigorous seedlings. Once established, this frost-hardy perennial settles in as a reliable producer across a remarkably wide hardiness range, from the coldest northern zones to warmer southern gardens.
The Pearl Yarrow lives as a cut flower, whether harvested fresh for immediate arrangements or dried for long-term storage and display. The dense, intricate flower clusters work beautifully in mixed bouquets, dried wreaths, and floral designs where their clean white color and fine texture add structure and airiness.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling containers 8-10 weeks before your intended planting date. Light is required for germination, so do not bury seeds deeply. Cover them with just a thin layer of vermiculite to retain moisture and hold seeds in place while allowing light penetration. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds. Maintain temperatures between 55-65°F in full light for 3-5 weeks until seedlings are ready to harden off.
After 3-5 weeks of seedling development under lights, harden off transplants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Transplant outdoors once soil can be worked and frost danger has passed for your zone. Space plants 12 inches apart.
Direct seed in late spring, early summer, or fall. Since light is required for germination, press seeds onto soil surface or cover only lightly with vermiculite. Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
Harvest The Pearl Yarrow for fresh or dried use when pollen becomes visible on the flowers, indicating peak maturity. Cut stems in the morning after dew dries but before the day heats up. For drying, hang bundles upside down in a warm, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight until completely dry, typically 2-3 weeks.
The Pearl Yarrow's compact growth habit requires minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage continued blooming throughout the season, or allow flowers to mature fully if you intend to harvest and dry them.
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