Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check how many hours of direct sun the plant receives.
- Inspect the soil for signs of recent heavy fertilization.
- Observe if the plant is crowded by taller neighbors.
Likely causes
Insufficient sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks tall and stretched out with few or no flower stalks forming.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If it is in a shaded corner, transplant it to a brighter location in early spring or fall.
Excessive nitrogen fertilizer
PossibleHow to tell: The foliage is lush and deep green, but the plant refuses to set buds.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Yarrow prefers poor soil and does not need extra feeding to bloom well.
Find out what's wrong with your yarrow
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the plant is in full sun and still not blooming by mid summer, it may be a variety issue or the plant is too young.
Stopping it coming back
Plant yarrow in a location with full sun and avoid adding compost or fertilizer to the soil.
Yarrow: not flowering? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your yarrow and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Does yarrow need fertilizer to bloom?
- No, yarrow actually prefers lean soil and will often bloom better without any extra food.
- Will pruning help it flower?
- Deadheading spent blooms can sometimes encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season.
More problems with Yarrow
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.