Red Yarrow Achillea 'Fanal'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Fanal', commonly known as the red yarrow, is a visually striking perennial plant renowned for its vibrant, eye-catching flowers and feathery foliage. The blooms are typically a deep, rich red hue, presenting as compact, flat clusters that make a bold statement in any garden setting. These flower clusters are composed of numerous small, tightly-packed flowers that sit prettily atop sturdy stems, adding a touch of brightness and contrast to the green backdrop. The foliage of the red yarrow consists of fern-like, aromatic leaves that are finely divided, creating a delicate textural effect. The leaves usually have a soft green color, which can have a somewhat grayish or silvery tone, providing a beautiful complement to the fiery red blossoms. The combination of the eye-catching flowers and the lacy leaves gives this plant a unique and ornamental charm that can attract various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological vibrancy of a space. Overall, the red yarrow possesses a natural, almost wildflower-like beauty that can enhance traditional garden beds, borders, and even rock gardens with its enduring and vivid display of color and form. Its resilience and low maintenance qualities make it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a long-lasting splash of color without the extra garden fuss.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Red Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Fanal Yarrow, Fanal Milfoil
Common names
Achillea millefolium 'Fanal', Achillea 'The Beacon'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Achillea 'Fanal' is Yarrow. Yarrow is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions after contact with the plant or from ingesting it. Possible symptoms could include skin rash, dizziness, or nausea, particularly in individuals with sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family. It's important to note that although rare, ingestion in large quantities could potentially lead to more serious symptoms, so it is recommended to avoid consuming yarrow.
To pets
Yarrow can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Although serious cases of poisoning are rare, pets, particularly dogs and cats, might experience gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In some instances, excessive drooling or hypersalivation may also occur. Pets with a known sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family may exhibit more pronounced reactions upon ingesting yarrow. If you suspect your pet has ingested a significant amount of yarrow, it's advisable to contact your veterinarian for guidance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The bright, clustered flowers of The Beacon Yarrow serve as a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, The Beacon Yarrow is highly resistant to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid climate gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This hardy perennial requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil types and withstanding neglect.
- Ornamental Interest: The Beacon Yarrow offers vibrant, red flowers that add color and visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Rapid Growth: It grows quickly to fill in garden beds, helping to suppress weeds and reduce garden maintenance efforts.
- Cut Flower Garden Use: The flowers have a long vase life, making them excellent for cutting gardens and floral arrangements.
- Deer Resistance: The foliage is unpalatable to many deer and other herbivores, providing a solution for gardens troubled by wildlife grazing.
- Soil Stabilization: The plant can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas where ground cover is needed.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: The Fanal yarrow can be used in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps that help to control pest populations.
- Natural Mulch: Dried yarrow plants, including the Fanal, can serve as an aromatic, decorative mulch that enriches the soil and suppresses weeds.
- Dye Production: The Fanal yarrow's flowers can be used to create a range of earth-toned dyes for fabrics and yarns.
- Erosion Control: The plant's extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes and banks.
- Fragrant Bouquets: Its long-lasting flowers are often used in fresh or dried form for their pleasant fragrance in flower arrangements.
- Livestock Feed: In some traditional practices, yarrow is used as a supplemental feed for livestock due to its nutritious qualities.
- Insect Repellent: The natural oils in Fanal yarrow can be used to repel mosquitoes and other insects when its leaves are bruised and rubbed onto skin or used in sprays.
- Soil Health Indicator: The presence of Fanal yarrow in the wild can indicate a well-balanced and fertile soil, helping gardeners assess land quality.
- Garden Patches: Yarrow can be used to fill in bare spots in gardens, providing a quick and easy ground cover solution.
- Biodynamic Preparation: Yarrow is sometimes used in biodynamic farming practices to make a compost preparation intended to enhance soil health and plant growth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Courage and War: Named after the legendary Greek hero Achilles, Achillea 'Fanal', commonly known as Yarrow, often symbolizes courage and heroism in battle, reflecting the warrior-like attributes of its namesake.
- Healing: Historically used for its medicinal properties, Yarrow is also a symbol of healing and protection, said to bind wounds and clear negative energies.
- Divination: In folklore, Yarrow was used for divination and was believed to hold powers to provide answers to questions about the future.
- Love: Despite its martial associations, Yarrow is sometimes considered a love charm and is believed to attract affection and ensure a lasting relationship.
- Spirituality: Its use in various cultural rituals over centuries lends Yarrow a spiritual significance, often associated with transcendent knowledge or the opening of psychic abilities.
WaterThe Common Yarrow, or Achillea 'Fanal', prefers even moisture but will tolerate drought once established. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be approximately once a week, depending on the climate and soil type. In the growing season, it typically needs around 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. Be careful not to over-water, as Yarrow is susceptible to rot in wet soil. It's best to water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry out, reducing the risk of disease.
LightThe Common Yarrow thrives in full sun conditions, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in the garden that is exposed to unfiltered, direct light, as this will ensure the plant produces a robust amount of flowers and maintains a sturdy growth habit. Yarrow planted in too much shade may become leggy and produce fewer blooms.
TemperatureCommon Yarrow is hardy and can survive in a broad range of temperatures, from as low as -30°F to highs of 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for this plant falls between 60°F and 75°F. Although Yarrow can withstand frost, it performs best in temperate conditions and should be protected from extreme heat and cold outside the given range for optimal health.
PruningPruning Common Yarrow encourages denser growth and more blooms. The plant should be deadheaded regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. At the start of the growing season, cut back about one-third to one-half of the plant's height to stimulate new growth and again in the late fall to maintain tidiness. Pruning is also beneficial after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the common yarrow (Achillea 'Fanal') is well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost to improve fertility and structure.
RepottingCommon yarrow (Achillea 'Fanal') is usually grown outdoors and doesn't require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring or as needed when it outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingCommon yarrow (Achillea 'Fanal') is tolerant to a wide range of humidity levels and typically prefers drier conditions. It does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun and well-draining soil to grow indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Common Yarrow 'Fanal' (Achillea 'Fanal') begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in fertile, well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. Seedlings emerge, displaying feathery foliage, and the plant develops a robust root system during its vegetative growth stage. As it matures, Achillea 'Fanal' produces tall, erect stems and begins to form characteristic flat-topped clusters of deep red to burgundy flowers in early to mid-summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, these flowers set seeds which can disperse to propagate the next generation of plants. In fall, the top growth dies back, but the plant's hardy perennial nature allows its root system to survive underground during winter dormancy. In spring, the cycle restarts as the plant resprouts from the roots, continuing to grow and eventually flower again.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Achillea 'Fanal', commonly known as the Fanal Yarrow, is mostly propagated by division. The best time for division is either in the early spring or fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, dig up an established plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a portion of the root system intact. These divisions should then be replanted immediately, at the same depth they were originally growing, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Regular watering after planting is essential to help establish the new plants. This method of propagation is favored as it maintains the genetic consistency of the cultivar, ensuring the new plants have the same characteristics as the parent.
