Yarrow Achillea 'Forncett Citrus' (Forncett Series)
ABOUT
The Achillea 'Forncett Citrus', commonly known as Yarrow from the Forncett Series, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is noted for its striking visual appeal. It has a dense, clumping habit, which means that its foliage and flowers tend to grow in close bunches, giving it a full and robust appearance. The leaves of the Yarrow are typically fern-like, finely dissected, and possess a soft, feathery texture. They are generally a greyish-green color, providing a beautiful contrast with the vibrant flowers. These leaves are often aromatic, releasing a distinctive scent when crushed or brushed against. The flowers of the Forncett Citrus Yarrow are its most distinguished feature. They bloom in flat-topped clusters known as corymbs, which create a striking display atop the foliage. Each cluster is composed of numerous tiny, daisy-like flowers. The main attraction of this specific variety is its flowers' color – a delightful blend of soft yellows and hints of orange, reminiscent of citrus fruits. This warm palette gives the garden a sunny and inviting feel throughout its blooming period. Yarrow is also praised for its prolonged flowering season, often from early summer until fall, providing gardeners with an extended show of color. Its flowers are not only beautiful to the human eye but are also appealing to wildlife, attracting an array of beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, which adds dynamism and life to the garden. Overall, Achillea 'Forncett Citrus' is a charming addition to any garden, offering a mix of soft, feather-like foliage and bright, cheerful flowers that come together to create a lovely, texturally rich display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Yarrow, Milfoil
Common names
Achillea 'Forncett Citrus'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and if ingested in large quantities, it can potentially cause mild stomach upset. It is important for humans to exercise caution and not consume parts of the plant unless they are certain of its edibility and prepared appropriately. Long-term or excessive consumption could potentially lead to increased photosensitivity or other adverse effects.
To pets
Yarrow is also not highly toxic to pets, but it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting and diarrhea. While it is not considered severely poisonous, it's still advisable to prevent pets from consuming the plant to avoid these potential side effects.
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
Varies
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - Yarrow is known to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, yarrow is highly drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance - This plant requires minimal care, with little need for fertilization or frequent watering after it's established.
- Deer Resistant - Yarrow is not a favorite of deer, so it's less likely to be damaged in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Fast Growth Rate - Yarrow grows quickly, allowing for rapid establishment and coverage in a garden setting.
- Soil Adaptability - It can tolerate a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Erosion Control - Yarrow's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in sloped areas.
- Long Blooming Season - Yarrow offers a long season of blooms, usually from early summer to autumn, providing color and interest in the garden.
- Companion Planting - Yarrow is considered a good companion plant as it can repel certain pests and improve the health of nearby plants.
- Edging and Borders - With its compact size and attractive foliage, yarrow works well for edging and border planting in garden designs.
- Cut Flowers - Yarrow makes excellent cut flowers for bouquets, with a long vase life and a variety of vibrant colors.
- Dried Flowers - Aside from fresh arrangements, yarrow can be dried and used in long-lasting floral displays.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea can be used as a natural dye for textiles, imparting varying shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- In companion planting, Achillea attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help to control aphid populations in the garden.
- The dried stems and flower heads can be used in crafts, such as making floral wreaths or adding to potpourri for their visual appeal and subtle fragrance.
- Achillea can serve as a lawn alternative, creating a low-maintenance, drought-resistant ground cover that can tolerate some foot traffic.
- The plant can be used for erosion control due to its extensive root system that helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks.
- Dried Achillea flowers can be incorporated into homemade paper, imparting a unique texture and botanical element to the finished product.
- It can be planted in a vegetable garden to enhance the growth of crops such as tomatoes by improving soil quality and attracting pollinators.
- Achillea can be used as a natural mulch, which will slowly decompose and enrich the soil while suppressing weeds and retaining moisture.
- It can be used in a cut flower garden, as its flowers have a long vase life and can offer a fresh look to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- The leaves can be used to concoct a natural insect repellent spray by steeping them in boiling water and straining the liquid after cooling.
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: Named after the Greek hero Achilles, yarrow is associated with courage and valor in battle.
- Healing: Historically used for its medicinal properties, yarrow symbolizes healing and the alleviation of pain.
- Protection: Yarrow is believed to ward off negative influences and protect against evil spirits.
- Love & Attraction: Sometimes used in love spells, yarrow can symbolize the draw of love and the enticement of attraction.
- Divination: Yarrow has been used for I Ching divination, representing the ability to reveal one's path or answer questions about the future.
WaterYarrow 'Forncett Citrus' should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. In warmer climates or during hot summer months, water usage may increase to keep the soil consistently moist without being waterlogged. Approximately one inch of water per week, including rainfall, is ideal for established plants. For container-grown yarrow, check the top inch of the soil, and water when it feels dry. Be cautious not to overwater, as yarrow prefers drier conditions.
LightYarrow 'Forncett Citrus' thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Situating the plant in an area where it can enjoy the unfiltered sun for most of the day will encourage stronger growth and more vibrant blooms. However, the plant can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with extremely hot summer climates.
TemperatureYarrow 'Forncett Citrus' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions where daytime temperatures are around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal growth and health, avoid exposing the plant to extremes of heat or cold for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning Yarrow 'Forncett Citrus' is important to maintain its shape, remove spent blooms, and encourage new growth. Deadheading, or the removal of old flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to stimulate additional flowering. After the first killing frost, cut back the plant to about 2 to 4 inches above ground level. This can be done in late fall or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow ‘Forncett Citrus’ thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility for healthy growth.
RepottingYarrow ‘Forncett Citrus’ generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound in its pot, to ensure continued health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingYarrow ‘Forncett Citrus’ is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations as it is quite adaptable to normal outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering for indoor yarrow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-drained soil, and water occasionally.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea 'Forncett Citrus', commonly known as yarrow, begins its life as a seed, which requires well-draining soil and can be sown directly outside after the last frost or started indoors before transplanting. Upon germination, the seedlings develop into young plants, exhibiting feathery foliage and establishing a strong root system. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative stage, growing stems and leaves in preparation for flowering. The flowering stage typically occurs in late spring to early summer, showcasing flat clusters of citrus-colored blooms that attract various pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Finally, yarrow is a perennial, which means after flowering, it enters a period of dormancy in the winter, only to regrow from the same root system in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Achillea 'Forncett Citrus', commonly known as Yarrow, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Ideally, division should be done in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system intact. These new divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil with appropriate spacing to accommodate growth. Water them in well after planting to help establish the new Yarrow plants.
