Yarrow Achillea 'Forncett Beauty' (Forncett Series)
ABOUT
Achillea 'Forncett Beauty', commonly known as yarrow, is a perennial plant that is part of the Forncett Series, renowned for its beautiful and striking flowers. The plant boasts a dense cluster of tiny, vibrant pink blooms arranged in a flattened, dome-shaped flower head that could be described as a composite of many smaller flowers contributing to a larger display. These blossoms create a striking contrast with the bright, fern-like foliage beneath them, which is typically lush green. The leaves cut a fine figure with their intricate, feathery texture, adding a layer of visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. This variety of yarrow can add a burst of color to a garden, especially when planted en masse, and its flowers are attractive to a range of pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Additionally, Achillea 'Forncett Beauty' has a sturdy, upright growth habit, presenting an assertive presence in a garden setting without consideration of its specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yarrow, Milfoil, Forncett Beauty
Common names
Achillea 'Forncett Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is often used in herbal medicine for its various beneficial properties. However, some individuals might be allergic to it or sensitive to its compounds. If ingested in very large quantities, it could potentially lead to digestive discomfort or other adverse effects, but this is uncommon. Typically, yarrow does not pose a significant risk of poisoning to humans when handled or ingested in reasonable amounts.
To pets
Yarrow is also generally regarded as non-toxic to pets, but similarly to humans, some animals can be sensitive to its compounds. Ingesting yarrow might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is typically not considered a poisonous plant to pets, but monitoring your pet and seeking veterinary care if they exhibit any signs of distress after ingestion is always a good practice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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 'Forncett Beauty', commonly known as yarrow, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, yarrow is highly drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Ease of care: Yarrow is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Rapid growth: Yarrow can grow quickly, filling in garden spaces and providing a lush appearance in a relatively short period of time.
- Soil adaptability: This plant is adaptable to various soil conditions, though it thrives best in well-drained soils.
- Pest resistance: Yarrow is generally resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for pesticides.
- Durability: It can withstand being planted in coastal or windy locations, showing good resistance to challenging weather.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant pink flowers and fern-like foliage, yarrow adds color and texture to any garden, border, or floral arrangement.
- Long blooming period: Yarrow has a lengthy flowering period from early to late summer, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Easy propagation: Yarrow can be easily propagated by division, making it simple to expand your garden or share with others.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Forncett Beauty', also known as Yarrow, can be used in natural dyeing processes; the flowers, especially, can produce a range of colors on wool and silk, depending on the mordant used.
- The dried stems of Yarrow can be utilized in crafting homemade paper, contributing texture and interest to the final product.
- Fresh or dried Yarrow flowers are often incorporated into potpourri mixtures for their color and subtle fragrance, which can be enhanced with essential oils.
- Yarrow can be used as a companion plant in gardens, as it is believed to repel certain pests and can enhance the growth and flavor of some vegetables and herbs.
- In floral arrangements, Yarrow provides a delicate filler that complements both fresh and dried bouquets with its feathery foliage and long-lasting flowers.
- Farmers and gardeners might use a decoction of Yarrow as a natural fertilizer, due to the plant’s high levels of beneficial nutrients.
- An extract from the plant can serve in the tanning industry, where Yarrow's natural compounds may be used for leather processing.
- Yarrow has been historically used in rituals and is still occasionally utilized as a symbol in contemporary spiritual practices for its supposed protective and divining properties.
- Biodegradable mulch can be created from dried Yarrow plants, which decompose and add organic matter to the soil, supporting soil health.
- The plant's capacity to reflect UV light has led to experimental use in the development of natural sunscreen components, although this is not a common use.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiYarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityYarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Achillea, commonly known as Yarrow, is associated with healing due to its historical use in herbal medicine to treat wounds and stop bleeding. The name "Achillea" references the Greek hero Achilles who is said to have used yarrow to treat his soldiers' injuries during the Trojan War.
- Protection: Yarrow is also symbolically linked with protection. It was often carried as an amulet to ward off negative energies and was believed to protect individuals from evil influences and harm.
- Courage: With its ties to the warrior Achilles, yarrow embodies bravery and courage, symbolizing a person's inner strength to confront challenges and adversities.
- Love: Yarrow is sometimes associated with love and attraction, with a belief that it could be used in love spells or to maintain a happy relationship.
- Divination: In historical and cultural contexts, yarrow has been used for divination purposes, particularly in I Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes, where yarrow stalks are part of the process to predict the future or seek guidance.
WaterYarrow 'Forncett Beauty' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development. Typically, watering once a week with 1 inch of water is sufficient, but this may need to be adjusted based on local climate and soil conditions. In times of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water twice a week to maintain plant health. Always check the soil moisture before watering; yarrow prefers to dry out somewhat between watering sessions. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
LightYarrow 'Forncett Beauty' thrives best in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an area where it receives unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day, as too much shade can reduce its vigor and flower production. Avoid placing it in deep shade or where buildings or other plants cast too much shade.
TemperatureThe yarrow 'Forncett Beauty' is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide temperature range, from about -40 degrees Fahrenheit to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, it flourishes ideally in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is cold-hardy, extended periods of extreme cold below the stated range can be detrimental, so provide some protection if necessary.
PruningPruning yarrow 'Forncett Beauty' can encourage a second bloom and maintain plant shape. It is best to prune or deadhead spent flowers immediately after the first blooming to promote a healthy return. Additionally, cutting back the plant by one-third in the late fall can help maintain vigor and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Forncett Beauty' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix for this yarrow can be made from equal parts garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Avoid heavy and waterlogged soils to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
RepottingYarrow 'Forncett Beauty' typically does not require frequent repotting and can often thrive for years without being moved. Repotting might be necessary every 3-4 years or when it becomes root-bound. During spring, separate the crowded clumps and replant them to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Forncett Beauty' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does well in the typical outdoor ambient humidity. This plant does not have specific high humidity requirements, making it well-suited for most garden environments without the need for misting or humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot, water moderately, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea 'Forncett Beauty', commonly known as Yarrow, begins its life as a seed, which under the right conditions of moisture and temperature, germinates and emerges as a seedling. The seedling establishes its root system and produces its first sets of true leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it grows actively, forming a bushy, leafy structure. As it matures, it enters the flowering stage, likely in its second year, where it produces clusters of colorful, fragrant flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, these flowers develop into seeds, completing the plant's reproductive cycle. During the growing seasons, Yarrow is a perennial, dying back to the ground level during winter but sprouting again from its rootstock when conditions become favorable in spring. The plant can also spread through its rhizome system, thus expanding its presence in the garden over the years.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Achillea 'Forncett Beauty', also known as Yarrow, is best propagated by division, typically in the spring or autumn. To propagate by division, carefully lift the established plant from the soil, ensuring you have a good amount of roots, and use a sharp spade or knife to split the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth as the original plant, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish the root system. Division is preferred for this plant as it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for quick establishment of new Yarrow plants.
