Dwarf Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica 'Nana Compacta'
ABOUT
Achillea ptarmica 'Nana Compacta', commonly known as Dwarf Sneezewort, is a perennial herb characterized by its dense, mat-forming foliage and attractive flowers. The leaves are dark green, narrow, and have a slightly serrated edge, giving a delicate and feathery appearance to the overall foliage. During the blooming season, the plant produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. These flowers are typically white with a yellow center, resembling tiny pom-poms atop slender stems that rise above the foliage. The blooms are not only visually appealing but are also known to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden. Despite the removal of size details, Dwarf Sneezewort is known for its compact, mounded habit, which makes it a popular choice for garden borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover. Its charming appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a desirable plant for many gardeners looking to add texture and blooms to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dwarf Sneezewort, Miniature Sneezeweed, Compact White Yarrow, Nana Compacta Pearlwort
Common names
Achillea ptarmica 'Nana Compacta'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Achillea ptarmica 'Nana Compacta', commonly known as Dwarf Sneezewort, is easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or complex care routines.
- Drought Tolerant: It is well-suited for xeriscaping or garden spots that receive limited water, as it can withstand periods of drought.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate gardens and support local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming Period: Dwarf Sneezewort offers a prolonged blooming season, often from early summer into fall, providing a consistent display of flowers.
- Deer Resistant: The plant has natural resistance to deer, reducing the likelihood of it being eaten by wildlife in gardens where deer are a problem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its compact size and abundant white flowers, it adds visual interest to borders, rock gardens, and cottage style gardens.
- Cold Hardy: The plant is capable of surviving in colder climates, making it suitable for gardens in temperate zones.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in various soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils, as long as they are well-draining.
- Ground Cover: Its low-growing and spreading habit makes it an excellent option for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
Medical Properties- Astringent: Achillea ptarmica 'Nana Compacta' possesses astringent properties which can help in tightening skin and mucous membranes.
- Antihemorrhagic: The plant has been used to reduce or stop bleeding.
- Anti-inflammatory: It contains compounds that may help in reducing inflammation.
- Diaphoretic: It can induce sweating, which has been traditionally used to help lower fevers.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sneezewort 'Nana Compacta' can be used as a filler in cut flower arrangements due to its small, dainty flowers and dense foliage.
- The plant works as a natural insect repellent in gardens, as some pests dislike its aromatic properties.
- It's a suitable choice for creating a cottage-style garden for an informal and romantic aesthetic.
- Considered ideal for creating borders along garden walkways owing to its compact growth habit.
- It can be utilized in crafting due to its sturdy stems and attractive flowers which hold up well when dried.
- Used as a teaching tool in botany and horticulture for its ease of propagation by division, illustrating plant reproduction techniques.
- Its ability to tolerate poor soil makes it a good option for erosion control on slopes or areas with less fertile ground.
- When planted in a sensory garden, the texture and scent of Sneezewort 'Nana Compacta' can be an interesting feature for tactile and olfactory exploration.
- As part of a wildlife garden, it can provide nectar for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- In landscape design, it's valued for its persistent blooming throughout summer, providing long-lasting visual interest to garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pearlwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pearlwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Named after the ancient Greek hero Achilles, who used yarrow (the common name for Achillea ptarmica) to heal soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War, this plant is associated with healing physical and emotional wounds.
- Courage: Because of its connection to Achilles, the plant is also symbolic of courage and bravery in battle.
- Protection: Yarrow has been used historically in folk traditions for protection against negative forces and to ward off evil.
- Divination: In the Middle Ages, yarrow was used for divination and was believed to reveal the user's future, especially in matters of love.
- Love: With its ties to divination, yarrow can symbolize the pursuit of love or the bond within an existing relationship.
- Persistence: The hardy nature and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions make yarrow a symbol of persistence and enduring through adversity.
WaterThe Sneezewort 'Nana Compacta' should be watered deeply and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It prefers consistently moist soil, so during the growing season, water the plant approximately once a week with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, or roughly 0.5 to 0.6 gallons for a medium-sized plant. During hot and dry spells, the plant might require more frequent watering to maintain moisture levels, possibly twice a week. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down and it requires less moisture.
LightSneezewort 'Nana Compacta' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers an environment where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be an east- or west-facing garden that gets plenty of morning or afternoon sunlight. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can protect the plant from intense, scorching sun.
TemperatureSneezewort 'Nana Compacta' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best when the environment is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for gardens in colder regions. In terms of maximum temperatures, the plant can handle heat up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit without significant stress.
PruningPrune Sneezewort 'Nana Compacta' to maintain its shape, encourage bushy growth, and promote more blooms. Deadheading the spent flowers can extend the blooming period. Typically, pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It may also be cut back after flowering to tidy the plant and again in late fall to prepare it for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Pearlwort (Achillea ptarmica 'Nana Compacta'), the best soil mix is well-draining with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts. Maintain a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingPearlwort should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Check the plant in spring and repot if it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingPearlwort thrives in average room humidity conditions; there is no need for high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name of Achillea ptarmica 'Nana Compacta' is Dwarf Sneezewort. The life cycle begins with the germination of seeds in late winter or early spring, under proper conditions of moisture and temperature. Following germination, the seedlings establish themselves and grow into compact, bushy plants with finely divided foliage, usually in the first growing season. Dwarf Sneezewort blooms in the summer, producing small, white, button-like flowers that attract pollinators and can be used for cut flower arrangements. After flowering, seed formation takes place, and by late summer or fall, the plant will have produced and dispersed seeds for the next generation. Over the winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is a perennial and will regrow from its root system in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Sneezewort 'Nana Compacta', a dwarf cultivar of Achillea ptarmica, is commonly propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Division involves splitting the plant into several smaller sections, each with roots and shoots, during the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. The process essentially consists of digging up the entire plant, gently separating it into smaller clumps, and replanting these clumps at the same depth they were growing previously. It is crucial to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to ensure they establish well. Generally, divisions should be spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough space for growth.
