Yarrow Achillea 'Credo'
ABOUT
The Achillea 'Credo' is known for its distinctive and attractive appearance commonly seen in gardens. This plant, commonly referred to as Yarrow, possesses a lush and feathery foliage that creates a dense mat of greenery. The leaves are finely dissected, which contributes to the soft and textured look of the plant. These leaves typically have a green to gray-green color that contrasts beautifully with its floral display. The Yarrow 'Credo' blooms profusely, producing clusters of small, daisy-like flowers arranged in flat-topped arrays. These flowers are a lovely creamy yellow color that appears bright and sunny. The blooms are known to attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, adding to the liveliness of any garden space. The flower heads of the Yarrow 'Credo' are carried on sturdy, upright stems that rise above the mounded foliage. These flowering stems add vertical interest to the plant's overall appearance and can provide a striking visual impact when planted en masse or as part of a mixed border. The combination of its feathery foliage and cheerful flower clusters makes the Yarrow 'Credo' a favored choice for gardeners seeking to add texture and color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Credo Yarrow
Common names
Achillea 'Credo'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow (Achillea 'Credo') is not typically considered toxic to humans. However, it is advisable to avoid ingesting parts of this plant, as consuming yarrow can potentially lead to allergic reactions in some individuals, intensify the effects of certain medications, and cause photosensitivity in sensitive people. If allergic reactions do occur, symptoms may include skin rash, dizziness, or an increase in skin sensitivity, particularly to sunlight.
To pets
Yarrow (Achillea 'Credo') is considered to have low toxicity to pets, but it might cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. This could result in symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has consumed a large amount of yarrow and is showing these or other signs of distress.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Achillea 'Credo', commonly known as yarrow, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, yarrow is very drought-tolerant, making it ideal for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Yarrow is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once it has settled into its location.
- Soil Tolerance: This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor soils, reducing the need for soil amendments and fertilizers.
- Rapid Growth: Yarrow establishes quickly and spreads, filling in garden spaces and providing a lush appearance in a short period.
- Erosion Control: The mat-forming habit of yarrow helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Herbal Companion: Yarrow is often planted in herb gardens, not for medical uses but as an ornamental and beneficial companion plant.
- Long Blooming: With a long flowering season, yarrow provides color and interest in the garden for an extended period, from early summer to fall.
- Deer Resistance: Generally, yarrow is not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Cut Flowers: Yarrow's showy flower heads are excellent for cutting and using in fresh floral arrangements, providing beauty both in the garden and indoors.
- Divisibility: The plant can be easily divided to propagate new plants and share with fellow gardeners or expand the plantings.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Achillea 'Credo', like other yarrow species, may have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones.
- Antiseptic: The plant has been traditionally used for its antiseptic properties, potentially aiding in wound healing.
- Astringent: Yarrow is known for its astringent action, which can help in tightening the tissues and stemming bleeding.
- Carminative: It may help in relieving gastrointestinal discomfort like flatulence or bloating.
- Diaphoretic: Yarrow might induce perspiration, which can be beneficial in reducing fevers.
- Hemostatic: The plant is traditionally used to stop bleeding, both internally and externally.
- Digestive aid: Yarrow has been used to improve digestion and to help with issues such as indigestion and cramping.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Credo', commonly known as yarrow, can be used as a natural dye, providing a variety of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The dried stems of yarrow are often used in handcrafted paper making for their fibrous quality and aesthetic appeal.
- It can be planted as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to enhance the growth and flavor of crops, particularly when placed near aromatic herbs.
- Yarrow flowers are used in potpourri mixes, imparting a subtle scent and adding to the visual variety of the dried ingredients.
- The plant is beneficial in permaculture as a dynamic accumulator, mining nutrients from deep within the soil to redistribute them to the surrounding plants.
- As a natural insect repellent, yarrow can be included in landscaping to ward off unwanted pests around outdoor living areas.
- It serves as an excellent ground cover, offering erosion control due to its mat-forming capabilities and robust root system.
- Yarrow can be included in floral arrangements as a filler plant, it’s delicate and feathery foliage balances out more dominant blooms.
- Yarrow's leaves can be used as a green mulch, providing nourishment and protection when laid around plants in the garden.
- Due to its hardy nature, yarrow is used in restoration projects to rehabilitate disturbed soils and help reestablish native plant communities.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Achillea 'Credo', commonly known as Yarrow, has a long history of being associated with healing due to its use in traditional medicine for treating wounds and stopping bleeding. Its genus name, Achillea, is attributed to the Greek hero Achilles who used it to heal soldiers' wounds in mythology.
- Protection: Yarrow has been carried and used in rituals to ward off negative energies and provide protection, making it symbolize safeguarding and spiritual defense.
- Courage: The link to Achilles also lends the symbolism of courage and valor to the plant, as Achilles was known for his bravery in battle.
- Love Divination: In some cultures, Yarrow is believed to possess the power to help discern the direction of one's love life, often used in love spells and divination practices.
- Perseverance: Yarrow's ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its tendency to spread easily can symbolize endurance, resourcefulness, and the ability to persist through difficulties.
WaterYarrow 'Credo' has moderate watering needs and prefers well-drained soil. During active growth, especially in dry conditions, water deeply once every week, providing about 1 gallon per square yard. Always allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings; yarrow does not like consistently wet soil. In cooler months or when dormant, reduce watering frequency. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so adjust your watering habits if you notice the foliage turning yellow or plants looking unhealthy.
LightYarrow 'Credo' thrives best in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Consider planting it in a south-facing garden bed where it will receive plenty of light. Although it can tolerate some light shade, flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions.
TemperatureYarrow 'Credo' is hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range. It grows best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and maximum temperatures as long as they aren't consistently above 90°F. However, extended periods of extreme heat can stress the plant.
PruningYarrow 'Credo' should be pruned to maintain plant health and promote more vigorous growth. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, encourages a second bloom. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 6 inches to keep it tidy and encourage new growth. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage and stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAchillea 'Credo', commonly known as Yarrow 'Credo', thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. A best soil mix for Yarrow 'Credo' would be a combination of loam, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility. Regular garden soil amended with perlite or coarse sand can also work well to promote proper root health and support the plant’s growth.
RepottingYarrow 'Credo' generally does not require frequent repotting as it is a hardy perennial. It should be repotted or divided every 2-3 years to ensure vigor and to manage its spread in the garden. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot to give the plant room to grow and refresh the soil to provide new nutrients.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Credo' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations. It is well-suited to outdoor conditions and is quite resilient, making it a low-maintenance plant in terms of humidity preferences.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, minimal watering for indoor Yarrow 'Credo'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water sparingly for Yarrow 'Credo'.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Achillea 'Credo', commonly known as Credo Yarrow, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically planted in well-drained soil in early spring after the last frost. The seeds germinate, and seedlings soon emerge, sporting feathery foliage characteristic of yarrows. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a strong root system and lush foliage. During the flowering stage, which occurs in late spring to summer, Credo Yarrow produces clusters of pale yellow flowers that attract pollinators and can last until early fall. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow, completing the reproductive cycle. Over time and with the onset of winter, Credo Yarrow becomes dormant, with its above-ground parts dying back, only to regrow and repeat the life cycle with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The optimal time for propagating the Achillea 'Credo', commonly known as Yarrow 'Credo', is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A popular method for propagating Yarrow 'Credo' is by division. Division is carried out by carefully digging up the established plants, making sure a fair amount of the root system is intact for each division. The clumps are then gently pulled apart by hand or cut with a sharp knife, ensuring that each division has several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. These divisions are then replanted in well-drained soil at the same depth they were originally growing and watered thoroughly. This allows for new plants that are genetically identical to the parent to establish themselves quickly, often flowering in the same season if divided in spring.
