Yarrow Achillea 'Feuerland'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Feuerland', commonly known as Yarrow 'Feuerland' or Fireland Yarrow, is a perennial plant that is well-recognized for its striking visual appeal in gardens and landscapes. The foliage of this Yarrow is a soft, feathery green, providing a delicate texture that is both lush and dense. Its leaves are finely divided and possess a fern-like appearance that adds a touch of lightness to the plant's overall structure. The plant is most cherished for its vibrant flowerheads, which exhibit an array of warm colors reminiscent of fiery landscapes. These flowers are arranged in flat-topped clusters, known as corymbs, which perch elegantly atop the stems and create a striking contrast against the green foliage. The blooms have a rich, red color that fades to a softer orange-yellow towards the edges, giving the appearance of embers glowing at different intensities. Individual flowers within the clusters are small, generally presenting themselves in a daisy-like form with a central disc encircled by tiny petals. These flowers have a simplicity that complements the boldness of their colors, drawing pollinators and admirers alike. As the flowering season progresses, these radiant hues may subtly shift, lending the plant a dynamic and evolving charm throughout its blooming period. Notably, Yarrow 'Feuerland' also has an essential quality; it exudes a distinctive fragrance that can be described as herbaceous, with a slightly spicy note that brings an additional sensory experience to the garden. This Yarrow variant displays a robust constitution, with sturdy stems that hold the flower clusters aloft, presenting them proudly as if to showcase their fiery tones against the backdrop of the landscape. Its overall form is typically compact, contributing to both its aesthetic appeal and its utility in a variety of garden settings, such as borders or as a focal point.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Fireland Yarrow, Feuerland Yarrow
Common names
Achillea 'Feuerland'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow (Achillea 'Feuerland') is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, it's important to note that some people might experience allergic reactions or skin irritation when handling the plant due to its chemical components. Ingestion is generally safe in small, medicinal amounts, but consuming large quantities could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse effects. Always exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using yarrow for medicinal purposes.
To pets
Yarrow (Achillea 'Feuerland') is also not typically considered highly toxic to pets; however, similar to its effects on humans, some animals might experience mild digestive upset if they consume this plant. Keep an eye on your pets if they have access to yarrow, and consult with a veterinarian if you notice symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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 'Feuerland', commonly known as Yarrow, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are vital for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Yarrow is extremely tolerant of dry conditions once established, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is low maintenance and can thrive in a wide range of conditions, including poor soils.
- Long Blooming: Yarrow has a long flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden from early summer until fall.
- Cut and Dried Flowers: The flowers of Yarrow hold their color when cut and are popular for both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Rapid Growth: Yarrow has the capability to grow quickly, filling in garden spaces and covering ground efficiently.
- Deer Resistant: Yarrow is not a preferred choice for deer, making it a great addition to gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Soil Health: Yarrow can improve the soil quality as its deep roots help in nutrient cycling and soil structure.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Feuerland', commonly known as Yarrow, can be used as a natural dye, producing varying shades of yellow, green and brown depending on the mordant used.
- Yarrow is sometimes incorporated into companion planting schemes for its ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps.
- When planted around the perimeter of a garden, Yarrow can act as a barrier plant due to its strong scent, possibly deterring some pests from crossing into the area.
- Dried Yarrow has been traditionally used in crafts, such as the creation of herbal wreaths or bouquets for its aesthetic appeal and longevity.
- The flowers and leaves of Yarrow can be used for flavoring beers and bitters in small quantities, contributing to a slightly astringent taste.
- Yarrow stalks have been historically used for I Ching divination practices as one of the methods to cast and interpret the hexagrams.
- In permaculture, Yarrow is valued for its deep roots that mine minerals from the subsoil, potentially increasing fertility when leaves decompose on the surface.
- Yarrow can be planted as a “nurse plant” in ecological restoration projects, helping to stabilize soil and facilitate the growth of other plants.
- Some crafters use Yarrow in paper-making to add texture and visual interest to the final product.
- Because of its dense growth habit, Yarrow can be used for low-maintenance ground cover in areas with poor soil where other plants might struggle.
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: The genus name Achillea is derived from the legendary Greek hero Achilles who purportedly used yarrow, which belongs to the Achillea genus, to heal wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War.
- Protection: Yarrow has been used in various traditions as a means to protect against negative influences and to ward off evil.
- Courage: Associated with Achilles' bravery in battle, yarrow can symbolize courage and heroism.
- Love Divination: Yarrow has a folklore reputation for being used in love divination and to bring about a vision of one's future spouse.
- Persistence: Due to yarrow's hardy and resilient nature, it often represents the ability to withstand challenges and persevere.
WaterFor the Yarrow 'Feuerland', water initially to establish the plant in its first growing season, offering about an inch or so of water once a week, then reduce frequency as the plant becomes more drought-tolerant. Ensure the soil is well-drained and do not allow it to remain waterlogged. Depending on the heat and humidity, you may need to adjust watering; less during cooler, wetter periods and more during hot, dry spells. Typically, mature plants require watering every two weeks, using approximately 1.5 gallons per plant. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before proceeding with additional watering.
LightThe Yarrow 'Feuerland' thrives best in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot where the plant will be exposed to unhindered sunlight for optimum growth and blooming. Partial shade is acceptable but may reduce the plant's vigor and the intensity of its blooms.
TemperatureYarrow 'Feuerland' is resilient and can tolerate a wide temperature range, typically from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many climates. While it can survive occasional dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it should not be exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures. Ideal growth occurs within the 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit range, where the plant can fully develop and flower.
PruningPrune Yarrow 'Feuerland' to maintain its shape and encourage new growth by cutting back by one-third to one-half after the first bloom in the early summer; this may stimulate a second flowering. Deadheading spent flowers can also improve the plant's appearance and prevent self-seeding. Additionally, cutting the plant down to the ground in late fall or early winter will help to keep it healthy and ready for spring growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow (Achillea 'Feuerland') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite would work best to ensure good drainage. Avoid overly rich soils as yarrow prefers moderate to low fertility.
RepottingYarrow (Achillea 'Feuerland') typically does not require frequent repotting as it is often grown as a perennial outdoor plant. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years may be necessary when showing signs of root crowding.
Humidity & MistingYarrow (Achillea 'Feuerland') is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels. It thrives outdoors and is quite adaptable to varying environmental conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, use well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea 'Feuerland', also known as Yarrow 'Feuerland', begins its life as a seed, sprouting in the spring when temperatures warm. It quickly develops a rosette of fern-like foliage, from which stalks emerge, leading to the budding stage where clusters of tiny, brightly colored flowers form dense, flat-topped heads. Over the summer, these flowers bloom and are frequented by pollinators, after which they set seeds that spread for future germination. The plant then enters a phase of senescence in the fall, where the above-ground parts die back with first frosts, while the root system remains viable. During winter, Yarrow 'Feuerland' lies dormant, conserving energy in its roots. Come the following spring, the cycle repeats as new growth emerges from the hardy rootstock.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Achillea 'Feuerland', commonly known as Yarrow, is by division. This is usually done in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, dig up an established clump of Yarrow and gently separate the plant into smaller pieces, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. Success with this method is generally high, as Yarrow is a hardy plant that can tolerate being split and transplanted.
