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How to Prune Chinese yarrow?
(Achillea alpina)
Chinese yarrow, also known as Chinese yarrow
A perennial herb favored for its clustered flowers and aromatic foliage, chinese yarrow thrives with regular trimming. Cut back by one-third post-flowering to promote dense growth and second blooming. Deadheading spent blossoms keeps chinese yarrow tidy and may enhance flowering. Prune in spring to remove dead stems, and lightly shape during the summer if necessary. Fall pruning should be minimal, only to neaten. Pruning not only maintains aesthetics but also invigorates chinese yarrow's health and vigor.
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What Are the Benefits of Pruning Chinese Yarrow?

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Chinese Yarrow?

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Chinese Yarrow?

Hand Pruners
Ideal for cutting stems and small branches of chinese yarrow. These tools provide clean cuts without damaging the plant.
Pruning Shears
Best for shaping chinese yarrow and trimming spent flowers to encourage new growth. Blade sharpness and a comfortable grip are key features.
Garden Scissors
Useful for deadheading and light trimming of chinese yarrow, allowing for precision and minimal disturbance to the plant.
Bypass Pruners
Recommended for making clean cuts on live growth of chinese yarrow, reducing the risk of disease and ensuring healthy regrowth.

How to Prune Chinese Yarrow

Disinfect Tools
Before pruning chinese yarrow, ensure all pruning tools are disinfected to prevent the spread of disease. Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to sterilize shears.
Remove Diseased Material
Carefully remove any diseased leaves from chinese yarrow by cutting them off at the base using clean, sharp scissors or shears. Dispose of diseased material immediately to prevent contamination.
Trim Withered Leaves
Prune away withered leaves from chinese yarrow by cutting them at the base of the stem. This helps to encourage healthy growth and improve air circulation within the plant.
Deadhead Flowers
Deadhead the withered flowers of chinese yarrow by snipping them off just above the first set of healthy leaves. This promotes further blooming and prevents the plant from using energy to make seeds.
Shape Plant
After the removal of undesirable parts, if needed, lightly shape chinese yarrow by pruning out any unruly stems to maintain the desired form and density of the plant.
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Common Pruning Mistakes with Chinese Yarrow

Overzealous Cutting
Executing drastic reductions in size can shock chinese yarrow, potentially resulting in poor regrowth. Moderate pruning encourages healthier blooms and allows the plant to recover more rapidly.
Imprecise Cuts
Incorrect cutting techniques, such as tearing branches or leaving jagged edges, can create entry points for pests or diseases, potentially harming chinese yarrow. Prune with sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts without damaging the plant.
Overpruning
Removing too much foliage at once can limit the plant's ability to photosynthesize properly, stunting the growth and vigor of chinese yarrow. It's crucial to balance the removal of necessary growth without overly thinning the plant.
Neglecting Tool Maintenance
Using dirty or blunt tools can spread disease and make it difficult to achieve clean cuts, negatively impacting chinese yarrow's health. Regular tool cleaning and sharpening are essential for effective pruning.

Common Pruning Tips for Chinese Yarrow

Deadheading
Removing spent flowers promptly can encourage a second bloom and prevent chinese yarrow from spending resources on seed production. This practice also helps maintain the plant’s attractive appearance.
Shaping
Prune chinese yarrow to maintain its natural shape and to avoid an overgrown appearance. This promotes airflow and reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases. Aim to create an even, aesthetically pleasing form without radically altering the plant's shape.
Rejuvenation
Older clumps can be rejuvenated by cutting back woody stems to promote fresh growth. Target older stems that show signs of decline or reduced flowering and selectively prune them to rejuvenate chinese yarrow.
Post-Flowering Care
After the main flowering period, reducing the height of chinese yarrow by a third can promote healthy new foliage and potentially encourage a late-season bloom. This also helps prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
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