Yarrow Achillea Summer Berries (mixed)
ABOUT
The Achillea Summer Berries, commonly known as Yarrow, is a vibrant and colorful perennial that boasts a mix of warm-toned flowers. Its blossoms come in a delightful array of shades including reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and apricots, often with a smaller central eye that adds contrast and depth to the blooms. These flowers are arranged in dense, flat clusters that sit atop sturdy, upright stems, and they have a daisy-like form with numerous small, tightly-packed petals surrounding a central disc. The foliage of Yarrow is equally attractive, composed of feathery, fern-like leaves that are finely dissected and soft to the touch. The leaves are a grayish-green color, which provides a beautiful backdrop to the brightly colored flower clusters and contrasts nicely with the vibrant blooms. As a plant that's not only known for its beauty but also its herbal properties, Yarrow has a long-standing place in both ornamental gardens and herb plots, attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The overall appearance of Yarrow is one that exudes a cottage garden charm, drawing the eye with its painterly swaths of color and creating a cheerful and inviting landscape presence.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Stanchweed, Knight's Milfoil, Sanguinary, Devil's Nettle, Nosebleed, Old Man's Pepper, Thousand-leaf, Thousand-seal.
Common names
Achillea millefolium 'Summer Berries'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals upon contact. If ingested in large quantities, yarrow may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea and vomiting, or more serious effects like dizziness and increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. Due caution should be taken to avoid consuming large amounts of the plant or using it in a manner inconsistent with its traditional uses.
To pets
Yarrow is generally considered to have low toxicity to pets, but it can still be mildly poisonous if ingested in significant amounts. Consumption of yarrow by pets can result in vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and lethargy. If you suspect that your pet has ingested a large portion of yarrow, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its mix of pink, red, and yellow flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, requires minimal watering, making it ideal for water-conscious gardeners.
- Easy to Grow: Resilient and adaptable to various soil types, which is perfect for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Season: Produces flowers from early summer to early fall, providing prolonged garden interest.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond occasional deadheading to promote continued blooming.
- Culinary Use: The leaves can be used as a herb to flavor food, although not as commonly as other Achillea species.
- Resistant to Pests: Naturally repels many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Companion Planting: Good neighbor to many plants by potentially helping to keep away pests that dislike its scent.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, may be used topically to help reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: Its astringent properties can help in cleansing wounds and stopping bleeding.
- Cold and Flu Relief: Tea made from yarrow has been traditionally used to provide symptomatic relief for colds and flu.
- Indigestion: It is sometimes used in herbal medicine to aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Menstrual Cramps: Women have used yarrow tea to relieve menstrual cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of other plants and repel pests due to its strong scent.
- Its colorful flowers make excellent and lasting additions to dried flower arrangements, maintaining color and structure when dried.
- The plant is often used in cosmetic preparations, such as lotions and bath additives, for its fragrance and potential skin-soothing properties.
- Yarrow can be used in the garden as a natural lawn alternative, creating a low-maintenance groundcover that tolerates foot traffic.
- In permaculture design, yarrow is incorporated into food forest systems as a beneficial insect attractor, supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- The fern-like foliage of yarrow can be used as a natural green dye for fabrics, providing a soft green hue.
- Its versatile nature allows it to be used as a border plant to create clear divisions in garden landscaping without the need for fencing or edging materials.
- Yarrow can also be included in biodynamic preparations, often used in organic farming to improve soil health and plant vitality.
- Its leaves can be used as a flavoring ingredient in homemade bitters or infusions, imparting a subtle aroma to various alcoholic concoctions.
- Florists may use yarrow to create a natural pest-repellent sachet, combining its dried flowers with other herbs to protect stored linens and wardrobes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiYarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityYarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Named after the ancient Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used yarrow (Achillea) to treat his soldiers' wounds, the plant symbolizes healing and restoration.
- Courage: Its association with the warrior Achilles also lends yarrow the symbolic meaning of courage and bravery in battle.
- Protection: It was historically used to ward off evil and is still thought to offer protection against negative forces.
- Love: In the language of flowers, yarrow can represent both love and heartache, indicating an everlasting love or a relationship that has weathered turmoil.
- Divination: Yarrow has been used in various forms of divination and is believed to open the mind to psychic abilities, symbolizing the quest for knowledge and understanding.
WaterYarrow, or Achillea millefolium, should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Newly planted yarrow should be watered once a week with about 1 inch of water, which equates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. Once established, yarrow is quite drought-tolerant and needs water only during extended dry periods, approximately every two to three weeks. Overwatering can lead to poor plant health, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to prevent stress.
LightYarrow thrives best in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day or in very warm climates, but full sun is ideal for the strongest growth and best flower production. A spot that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade can also be suitable.
TemperatureYarrow is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide temperature range. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 90°F, but the ideal growing conditions for Yarrow are between 60°F and 75°F. It's important to ensure that the plant has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, especially in warmer, humid climates.
PruningPruning yarrow involves cutting back the spent flowers to encourage a second bloom in the same season. Deadheading, or the removal of old flowers, should be done throughout the blooming period. In addition, cutting the plant back to the ground in late fall or early winter after the growing season has ended will help maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy growth in the spring. Pruning can also prevent self-seeding if the intention is to control the spread of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Summer Berries' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can offer good drainage and fertility. Avoid soils that are too rich or moist, as yarrow prefers moderately fertile conditions.
RepottingYarrow 'Summer Berries' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Summer Berries' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. It grows well in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, good air circulation and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea Summer Berries, commonly known as Yarrow, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and with adequate sunlight, will germinate. The seedlings develop true leaves and a root system, eventually forming a small rosette of foliage. As the plant enters its vegetative stage, it grows taller and bushier with feathery, aromatic leaves. Following this, the Yarrow produces clusters of small, colorful flowers on tall stems during the flowering stage, which attract beneficial insects and pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, and the plant enters the senescence stage where it may die back in colder climates or become dormant until the next growing season. Seeds from the spent flowers can be collected and dispersed, beginning the life cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Achillea Summer Berries, commonly known as Yarrow, is best propagated by dividing the plant. This method is usually done in the early spring or fall. To divide Yarrow, carefully lift the plant from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring as much root system as possible remains intact. Gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart, and water them thoroughly to help establish their roots in the new location. This division method not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates the parent plant by increasing airflow and reducing crowding.
