Yarrow Achillea 'Forncett Bride' (Forncett Series)
ABOUT
Achillea 'Forncett Bride', commonly known as yarrow, is a striking perennial plant with notable features that make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. The plant showcases a mound of feathery foliage that tends to be green in color, often with a hint of gray, setting a soft textural backdrop for the flowers. The foliage spreads out to create a bushy appearance, making the plant a suitable ground cover or a filler in garden beds. The yarrow's most distinctive feature is its flower heads, which are composed of numerous small, tightly packed blooms. These flowers emerge in clusters atop sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. The blossoms of the 'Forncett Bride' variety are particularly eye-catching due to their color: a creamy white with a subtle flush of pale pink. These blooms, rich in nectar, often attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, adding a lively element to their surroundings. When in full bloom, the pale flowers contrast beautifully against the darker foliage and can add an element of softness and romance to the garden. The yarrow's simple yet elegant flowers are also popular choices for cut flower arrangements due to their long-lasting nature and classic aesthetic appeal. Overall, Achillea 'Forncett Bride' possesses a graceful charm with its feather-like leaves and clusters of cream-pink flowers, making it a delightful addition to any outdoor space where its beauty can be enjoyed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Forncett Bride Yarrow
Common names
Achillea 'Forncett Bride'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While it's not commonly eaten, accidental ingestion typically does not cause serious harm. However, it is important to note that some individuals may be allergic to this plant, and handling or ingestion could potentially cause allergic reactions, which may include skin rash, headache, dizziness, or digestive discomfort. It is always advisable to use caution and consult a healthcare professional if you suspect an allergic reaction or poisoning.
To pets
Yarrow is also considered non-toxic to pets. However, similar to humans, some animals might have an allergic reaction to this plant. If pets consume yarrow, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of yarrow and is showing signs of distress, consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Achillea 'Forncett Bride' is known for attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for dry or xeriscaped gardens, requiring less water once established.
- Low Maintenance: 'Forncett Bride' is relatively easy to care for, not requiring much fertilization or pruning, which makes it a convenient option for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, often from early summer to fall, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Cut Flowers: Flowers from the Achillea 'Forncett Bride' make great cut flowers for arrangements due to their appealing form and long vase life.
- Rabbit Resistant: It is generally resistant to rabbits, which can be beneficial in a garden where rabbits are a common pest.
- Soil Adaptability: This variety can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, it can adapt to less than ideal conditions.
- Landscape Versatility: 'Forncett Bride' can be used in various landscape settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and as a ground cover, offering design flexibility.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Forncett Bride' can be used for natural dyeing, as the flowers can yield a range of colors from greens to yellows depending on the mordants used.
- The dried stems of this plant can be bundled and used as a natural fire starter due to their quick ignition properties.
- The plant can be grown as a Companion Plant to improve the growth and flavor of certain vegetables, such as tomatoes, by repelling harmful pests.
- Yarrow is sometimes used in compost activators or 'compost tea' recipes to enhance decomposition due to its believed high nutrient content.
- As it attracts beneficial insects, this plant can be used in the garden to increase pollination of fruits and vegetables.
- Sachets filled with dried yarrow can be placed in closets or drawers as a natural insect repellent to protect clothes from moths.
- The flowers can be incorporated into creative crafts, such as flower pressing, for use in artwork or homemade cards.
- When planted along the borders or pathways, its foliage can act as a natural ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- It can be used as a lawn alternative in areas with dry climates, as yarrow is drought-tolerant once established and needs less water than traditional grass.
- For photographers or artists, the vibrant white flowers of this yarrow can serve as a striking subject or backdrop in their compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiYarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityYarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The Achillea genus is commonly known as yarrow, which has been associated with healing due to its historical use in herbal medicine for wound treatment. The name "Achillea" itself refers to Achilles, who, according to Greek mythology, used yarrow to treat soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War.
- Courage: Owing to its mythological association with Achilles, a renowned warrior, yarrow can symbolize courage and heroism.
- Protection: In folklore, yarrow has been used to ward off evil and is believed to offer protection, which is another symbolic meaning of this plant.
- Love: In some cultures, yarrow is used in love spells or thought to predict one's romantic future, thus symbolizing love and attraction.
WaterYarrow, including the 'Forncett Bride', should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Generally, this might mean watering every one to two weeks, depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water weekly, especially if the plant is not yet established. Established yarrow can tolerate drought, so watering can be reduced. An approximate guideline is to provide 1 inch of water, which translates to about 0.6 gallons per square foot, every seven to ten days during growth periods.
LightYarrow thrives best in full sun, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting 'Forncett Bride' in a location that offers unobstructed sunlight will encourage robust growth and plentiful blossoms. Some partial shade can be tolerated, especially in regions with extremely hot summers, but too much shade may lead to spindly plants and fewer flowers.
TemperatureFor 'Forncett Bride' yarrow to flourish, it should be grown in temperate conditions; it generally prefers temperatures between 40°F and 85°F. The plant can withstand light frost and cold temperatures down to about -30°F, making it suitable for many gardening zones. The ideal growth temperature range is from 60°F to 75°F, which promotes vigorous growth and flowering.
PruningPruning yarrow, including 'Forncett Bride', is beneficial for promoting healthy growth and repeat blooming. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. Cutting the plant back by about one-third after the first bloom can improve its appearance and stimulate a second flowering. Pruning is typically done mid-summer after the first wave of blooms has faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow (Achillea 'Forncett Bride') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite works well to ensure drainage and fertility. Adding organic matter will enhance the soil's nutrient content and structure for robust growth.
RepottingYarrow, including the 'Forncett Bride' variety, rarely needs repotting as it is typically grown as a perennial in gardens. Instead, divide the plants every few years to maintain vigor and spread them in the garden.
Humidity & MistingYarrow (Achillea 'Forncett Bride') is adaptable and does not require any specific humidity level; it can thrive in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing zones. This makes it a low-maintenance plant in terms of humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal care, ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, spaced 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea 'Forncett Bride', also known as Yarrow, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, typically after experiencing a period of cold stratification which breaks their dormancy. The seedlings establish a root system and develop into juvenile plants, producing a basal rosette of feathery, fern-like leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, where it grows taller and begins forming stems and additional leaf growth. The reproductive stage follows, usually in the late spring to summer, where the Yarrow produces clusters of tiny, tightly-packed flowers on flat-topped inflorescences known as corymbs, which are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, these flowers turn into seed heads, completing the reproductive cycle by producing new seeds that are then dispersed by wind, animals, or self-sowing. Once the growing season concludes, the Yarrow enters a period of dormancy over the winter, reducing above-ground activity and surviving primarily through its established root system, ready to regrow when conditions become favorable in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Achillea 'Forncett Bride', commonly known as Yarrow, is most commonly propagated through division, which can be optimally performed in the spring or autumn. To propagate by division, carefully lift an established clump of yarrow from the ground using a spade, making sure to maintain a good portion of the root structure. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root and several shoots. Each divided section can then be replanted at the same depth it was originally growing at, spacing them about 1 to 2 feet apart (30 to 60 cm). Ensure the soil is well-draining and water the new plantings thoroughly. This method of propagation allows for rapid establishment of new plants while maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant.
