Coronation Gold Yarrow Achillea 'Coronation Gold'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Coronation Gold' displays a striking appearance with its vibrant golden-yellow flower clusters that sit atop sturdy, upright stems. These flowers are dense, flat-topped, and resemble a plate or saucer in their arrangement. The foliage of this plant is equally appealing, characterized by fern-like leaves that are finely divided and create a delicate, lacy texture. The leaves have a silvery-grey to green color that contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow of the blooms. The plant has a bushy and spreading habit, providing a lush and full aspect to any garden setting. Its showy flowers and aromatic leaves contribute to its overall aesthetic, making it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, or as a part of a vibrant, sunny perennial bed. The blooms often attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, adding an extra layer of dynamism to its display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Coronation Gold Yarrow, Coronation Gold Achillea
Common names
Achillea 'Coronation Gold'
ToxicityTo humans
Coronation Gold yarrow is not typically known to be toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation upon contact with the plant. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause stomach upset or other digestive disturbances. It is always wise to avoid ingesting any plant unless it is known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Coronation Gold yarrow is generally considered to be of low toxicity to pets; however, if pets consume large amounts of the plant, they may experience digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. As with humans, it's best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not specifically identified as safe for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Achillea 'Coronation Gold', commonly known as Yarrow, is known for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are crucial for pollination.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Yarrow is highly tolerant to drought, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Yarrow requires minimal care once it is established, making it an ideal plant for gardeners who prefer a more hands-off approach.
- Deer resistant: Yarrow is generally not preferred by deer, offering an added layer of protection for gardens in deer-rich areas.
- Long blooming period: Yarrow has a lengthy blooming season, providing continuous vibrant color in the landscape from early to late summer.
- Erosion control: The deep root system of Yarrow helps to prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Versatile use in landscape design: Yarrow can be used in a variety of settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as a cut flower for arrangements.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: It may be used to reduce inflammation in various conditions.
- Antiseptic: The plant has properties that could help to prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
- Astringent: It might be utilized to contract skin tissues and can potentially be beneficial in healing wounds.
- Carminative: Could be helpful in relieving flatulence or gas in the digestive system.
- Diaphoretic: It might induce sweating, which can be useful in reducing fevers.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Coronation Gold' is often used as a natural dye, providing a range of yellow to green hues to fabrics when its flowers are processed.
- The plant's dried flowers can serve as a decorative element in potpourri, offering both visual appeal and a delicate fragrance to a room.
- Gardeners sometimes use the Achillea 'Coronation Gold' as a companion plant, as it is known to repel certain pests that bother vegetables gardens.
- Its strong stems and long-lasting flowers make Achillea 'Coronation Gold' a popular choice for creating dried floral arrangements.
- The silver-green foliage can be used in landscape design to provide a contrasting backdrop for darker plants or to echo other silver-toned plants.
- Its vibrant golden flowers attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local ecosystems.
- Achillea 'Coronation Gold', with its robust growth, can be employed for erosion control on slopes or banks where the dense foliage helps to hold the soil in place.
- Its drought-resistant qualities make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, reducing the need for regular watering in drier climates.
- The plant is sometimes used in sensory gardens due to its textured leaves and aromatic nature when the foliage is brushed or crushed.
- It can also be utilized as a natural lawn substitute in areas where conventional grass struggles to grow, providing a low-maintenance, yet visually appealing ground cover.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Named after the Greek hero Achilles, who used it to treat soldiers' wounds, this plant symbolizes healing and restoring health.
- Protection: The plant has been traditionally used for protective charms, representing safeguarding and defense against harm.
- Divination: Historically, it was used to perform rituals of divination, and thus it symbolizes the revelation of the unknown or guidance towards future events.
- Love and affection: In the language of flowers, it can represent love and a declaration of affection, owing to its attractive and enduring blooms.
- Perseverance: Its hardiness and ability to thrive in difficult conditions symbolize perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity.
WaterYarrow or Achillea 'Coronation Gold' should be watered regularly to establish a deep, extensive root system, and once established, it becomes drought-tolerant. During the first growing season, water the plant once a week with about one inch of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. After establishment, reduce watering to every other week if there is no significant rainfall. During hot, dry spells, water the plants deeply every week. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot.
LightYarrow thrives in full sunlight, which means it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun exposure daily for optimum growth. The best spot for Yarrow would be in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Avoid placing it in full shade, as this can lead to poor flowering and weak growth. An open, sunny garden bed or border is ideal for this plant.
TemperatureYarrow is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures, thriving in conditions between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for active growth is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extremely high temperatures by ensuring it is well watered during such spells.
PruningYarrow should be pruned to remove spent blooms and encourage a second flowering in the season. Deadheading, or the removal of old blossoms, can be done throughout the summer to improve the plant's appearance and promote more blooms. Cutting back Yarrow to about a third of its size after the initial flowering will help maintain a tidy shape and encourage a new flush of flowers. The best time for a more substantial pruning is in the late fall or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Coronation Gold' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture containing garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite will create an ideal environment. Ensure the soil is not overly fertile as this can lead to leggy growth.
RepottingYarrow 'Coronation Gold' typically does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. This hardy perennial is often repotted or divided every 2 to 3 years to rejuvenate and manage its spread.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Coronation Gold' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does best in moderate conditions. It does not require high humidity and is quite adaptable to the typical outdoor atmosphere.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Yarrow 'Coronation Gold' in a sunny spot with good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun and well-drained soil suit Yarrow 'Coronation Gold' best.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea 'Coronation Gold', commonly known as 'Coronation Gold' yarrow, begins its life cycle as a seed, often sown directly into well-drained soil in early spring or started indoors before the last frost. Germination follows, usually within 1-2 weeks with proper light and temperature conditions, developing into seedlings with characteristic feathery foliage. Once established, the plant enters a vegetative stage, where it grows and matures, forming clumps of aromatic, dissected leaves. During the summer months, it transitions into the flowering stage, producing tall, erect stems topped with dense, flat clusters of golden-yellow flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. After blooming, 'Coronation Gold' yarrow sets seed, which may be dispersed by wind or collected for propagation; at this point in late summer or fall, the plant may go dormant, dying back to the ground in colder climates. In the following spring, any remaining viable seeds can germinate to start a new generation, or perennating parts of the plant can resprout, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating Coronation Gold yarrow is through division, which is best done in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of yarrow and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each has a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions into well-draining soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish their roots. This method is effective because it helps to invigorate older plants while also providing new plants.
