Achillea ptarmica (The Pearl Group) 'The Pearl' (clonal) (d)
ABOUT
The Pearl, also known by its common name "Sneezewort," is recognized for its distinctive floral display and foliage. The plant is adorned with a profusion of small, pearl-like flower heads that are tightly clustered together, creating a cushion of blooms. Each flower is characterized by its pristine white color, which imparts a fresh and clean appearance to the plant. The blossoms are double, meaning each one has additional layers of petals, giving them a full and rounded look, reminiscent of tiny pearls. The leaves of Sneezewort are another distinctive aspect of its appearance. They are narrow and elongated, with finely serrated edges that add a textured, feathery quality to the plant. The foliage is typically a deep green color, which provides a lush contrast to the bright whiteness of the flowers. This contrast makes 'The Pearl' a striking addition to any garden setting. Overall, the plant presents as a dense, mounded clump, with the flowers rising just above the foliage, creating a layered and textured visual effect. While aesthetically delicate, The Pearl is actually a hardy plant that can add a touch of elegance to garden borders, flower beds, and cottage gardens. Its appealing combination of delicate-looking blooms and robust greenery contributes to its popularity among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sneezewort, Bastard Pellitory, European Pellitory, Fair-maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, Sneezeweed, Wild Pellitory, White Tansy
Common names
Achillea ptarmica var. pyrenaica, Ptarmica sibirica.
ToxicityTo humans
Sneezewort 'The Pearl' is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is possible that some individuals might experience an adverse reaction if they ingest parts of the plant. The main potential consequence is gastrointestinal distress, which could manifest as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. There are no widespread reports of serious poisoning from Sneezewort 'The Pearl' in humans, and it is generally considered safe to handle and grow in gardens. It is still advisable to avoid ingesting parts of this plant, especially for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those who are allergic to related plants in the Asteraceae family.
To pets
Sneezewort 'The Pearl' is not known to be highly toxic to pets. Most pets are unlikely to experience severe symptoms if they ingest small amounts of this plant. At most, some pets may exhibit mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if they consume parts of the Sneezewort 'The Pearl'. However, pets vary in their sensitivity to different plants, so it's always best to discourage them from eating ornamental plants. If a pet does consume a significant amount of the plant and shows signs of distress, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: 'The Pearl' sneezewort invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-effort greenery.
- Cut Flower: The long-lasting blooms are ideal for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Rabbit Resistant: 'The Pearl' is not a preferred plant for rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with rabbit populations.
- Deer Resistant: Similar to rabbits, deer tend to avoid this plant, protecting it from grazing.
- Long Blooming Period: It flowers from early summer to early fall, providing a long season of visual interest.
- Compact Growth: Its neat and tidy growth habit makes it suitable for borders, rock gardens, and container planting.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it returns year after year, reducing the need for replanting.
- Visual Interest: With its bright white blooms, 'The Pearl' adds aesthetic appeal to garden landscapes.
- Ground Cover Potential: Its spreading nature allows it to fill spaces and suppress weeds, functioning effectively as ground cover.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Achillea ptarmica has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Antiseptic: The plant has been used for its antiseptic qualities, which might prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Astringent: Achillea ptarmica contains astringent compounds that can help to shrink or constrict body tissues, potentially aiding in wound healing.
- Febrifuge: Also known as a fever reducer, the plant has been used to help lower fever and alleviate symptoms associated with it.
- Diaphoretic: The Pearl may promote sweating, which has been used historically to help detoxify the body and reduce fevers.
- Emmenagogue: Traditional use suggests it might stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, possibly aiding in menstrual flow.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea ptarmica, commonly known as Sneezewort, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of green hues when the leaves are used in traditional textile dyeing processes.
- Insect repellent; the aromatic properties of Sneezewort have been traditionally used to repel insects, particularly moths, when the foliage is placed among clothes or linens.
- Fish poison; historically, some indigenous groups have used compounds found in Sneezewort to temporarily stun fish, making them easier to catch.
- Folk games; in some cultures, children have used the fluffy seed heads of Sneezewort for entertainment, such as blowing them to tell the time or make a wish.
- Erosion control; Sneezewort can be planted on slopes or riverbanks to help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion due to its dense rooting system.
- Companion planting; when planted in a vegetable garden, Sneezewort may help deter harmful pests due to its strong scent and repellent properties.
- Floral arrangements; Sneezewort 'The Pearl' cultivar, with its attractive white flowers, is popularly used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements for decoration.
- Educational tool; the plant's unique response to pollination serves as an educational example of plant biology and reproduction in academic settings.
- Water filtration; Sneezewort can be utilized in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, as its roots help absorb and filter pollutants.
- Livestock forage; although not a primary choice for fodder, Sneezewort can be consumed by livestock, especially in areas where other more palatable plants are scarce.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sneezewort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sneezewort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Cure and Healing: Named after Achilles, the hero of the Trojan War who was said to use it to treat wounds, The Pearl symbolizes the power of healing and the importance of medicinal knowledge.
- Protection: Historically used to dispel negative energies and offer protection, The Pearl can represent safety and spiritual safeguarding.
- Eternal Love: With its timeless beauty, this flower can be seen as a representation of everlasting love that endures beyond the physical existence.
- Overcoming Challenges: Just as Achilles was a warrior, The Pearl can signify the strength and resilience required to overcome obstacles in life.
WaterSneezewort 'The Pearl' prefers consistent moisture, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be approximately once a week. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Apply enough water to soak the soil around the roots. Depending on your local climate and the season, this might be equivalent to about 1 gallon of water for an established plant. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary, but always check the soil moisture first.
LightSneezewort 'The Pearl' thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for planting would be an open area unobstructed by trees or large shrubs. If grown in too much shade, the plant may not bloom as prolifically and can become leggy as it stretches towards the light.
TemperatureSneezewort 'The Pearl' can endure a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It can survive winter temperature dips down to -30°F and summer highs of up to 90°F, but it grows best at moderate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F.
PruningPruning Sneezewort 'The Pearl' is important to promote a second flush of flowers and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers. In the spring, cut the plant back to about 4-6 inches to promote vigorous, bushy growth. The best time for major pruning is early spring or after the first flowering has finished.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSneezewort 'The Pearl' prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and some sand or perlite works well to improve drainage. Amend the soil with organic matter to ensure fertility.
RepottingSneezewort 'The Pearl' is typically not grown in containers and rarely needs repotting. If it is grown in a pot, repotting can be done every 2-3 years in spring.
Humidity & MistingSneezewort 'The Pearl' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, thriving well in average outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space plants 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSneezewort 'The Pearl' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in spring, flourishing in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. The plant develops a clump of basal leaves which grow into a rosette, and from this base, stems elongate and branch, culminating in the production of numerous button-like flower heads comprised of small, tightly packed florets. These flowers, predominantly blooming from early to late summer, attract pollinators and eventually set seeds toward the end of the season. Some plants also propagate vegetatively, producing offsets to form new clonal plants which maintain the genetic identity of the parent and expand the clump. As autumn approaches and cooler temperatures set in, Sneezewort 'The Pearl' will die back to the ground, with the roots surviving the winter dormancy period. Come the following spring, the plant will re-emerge from its rootstock to start the life cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Sneezewort 'The Pearl', a clonal cultivar, is by division. This is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant's growth is not at its peak, which allows the plant to recover more effectively after being split. To propagate by division, a gardener would gently lift the clump of Sneezewort from the soil, taking care not to overly disturb the root system. Next, a sharp spade or knife is used to cut the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good portion of roots and shoots. These divisions are then replanted at the same depth they were growing at before and watered in. Careful attention should be given to keeping the soil moist as the new plants establish themselves. This method is effective because it maintains the clonally inherited characteristics of 'The Pearl', ensuring the new plants will be true copies of the parent.
