Yarrow Achillea 'Forncett Fletton' (Forncett Series)
ABOUT
Achillea 'Forncett Fletton', commonly known as yarrow, is a perennial herb with a distinctive appearance characterized by its foliage and flowers. The leaves of the yarrow have a feathery, finely-dissected form, appearing soft and fern-like, adding a texture contrast to the garden. They are often a green to grayish-green color, providing a muted backdrop to its more vibrant blooms. The flower heads of Achillea 'Forncett Fletton' are particularly striking. They are composed of small, tightly-packed florets that cluster into flat-topped arrays known as corymbs. These blossoms are a rich, deep pink hue and can add bold color to gardens when in bloom. The flowers are commonly known for attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees, providing ecological benefits as well as aesthetic charm. Overall, the yarrow possesses a natural, somewhat wildflower-like character that can blend well into cottage-style gardens or traditional flower borders. Its textured foliage and clusters of intense pink flowers make Achillea 'Forncett Fletton' a visually arresting plant that draws the eye without the need for significant height or spread.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yarrow, Milfoil
Common names
Achillea 'Forncett Fletton'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow (Achillea 'Forncett Fletton') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, it is important to note that some individuals may be sensitive to the plant and could potentially experience allergic reactions if they have sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family. Ingestion in large amounts could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, but yarrow is generally not considered poisonous.
To pets
Yarrow (Achillea 'Forncett Fletton') is also not typically toxic to pets, but they may experience mild digestive upset if they consume large quantities of the plant. It is always a good practice to prevent pets from ingesting plants, as individual reactions can vary, and some animals may be more sensitive than others.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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 Fletton' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought resistance, making it suitable for low-water gardens and xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Long Blooming: The plant has a long flowering season, providing color in the garden from early to late summer.
- Deer Resistant: It is not favored by deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
- Landscape Uses: With its colorful flowers and compact growth habit, it's great for borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in fresh floral arrangements.
- Dried Flowers: The blooms can also be dried and used in long-lasting dried flower arrangements.
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 Fletton', commonly known as Yarrow, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, producing a range of colors from yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- Yarrow is sometimes included in compost activator mixes to accelerate the decomposition process because of its rich nutrient content and beneficial compounds.
- The plant can be used in permaculture as a companion plant, reputed to improve the health and flavor of neighboring plants and repel harmful pests.
- Yarrow, when dried, can be utilized as a component of potpourri mixes, adding a subtle, earthy aroma to the blend.
- The flowers of Yarrow can be pressed and used in craft projects, such as botanical prints or in the making of natural jewelry.
- In certain eco-friendly landscaping methods, Yarrow is used for erosion control due to its extensive root system that holds soil effectively.
- It can be planted as part of wildlife gardens to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which help in pest control.
- Yarrow has been employed in the art of plant symbolism and language, where it can be used to represent both war and healing in floral arrangements.
- The stems of Yarrow are sturdy and can be used in the creation of small handcrafted items such as natural wreaths or as part of decorative arrangements.
- It can serve as a lawn alternative in dry climates, as Yarrow varieties can form dense mats that require less water than traditional grasses.
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 named after the Greek hero Achilles, who was said to have used it to heal his soldiers' wounds in mythology.
- Protection: Yarrow is often associated with warding off negative energies and is used in various cultures for protection.
- Courage: Its association with Achilles also imparts the symbolic meaning of courage and bravery to those who keep it.
- Love: In some traditions, yarrow is used in divination to foretell love, and its presence in a wedding bouquet is thought to ensure a love-filled marriage.
- Persistence: Yarrow is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, symbolizing persistence and endurance.
WaterYarrow 'Forncett Fletton' should be watered deeply to encourage strong root growth, and then allowed to dry out somewhat before watering again. In general, this drought-tolerant plant requires about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Adjust the watering frequency depending on the weather; during prolonged dry spells, water every 7-10 days, ensuring you provide enough water to penetrate the soil deeply. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliar diseases. Over-watering can cause root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
LightYarrow 'Forncett Fletton' thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates, but the full sun is where it will produce the most vigorous growth and best flower production. Place this perennial in a spot where it can enjoy the bright, unfiltered sunshine for most of the day.
TemperatureYarrow 'Forncett Fletton' is quite hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand heat up to temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit but performs best in the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is well-suited for a wide range of climates and can thrive in USDA zones 3 through 9, making it a versatile choice for many gardens.
PruningYarrow 'Forncett Fletton' benefits from pruning to encourage new growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 3-6 inches from the ground to remove old growth and prepare it for the upcoming season. Pruning at these times helps to prevent disease and can rejuvenate older plants.
CleaningNot needed
SoilYarrow 'Forncett Fletton' prefers well-drained soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite can provide the right structure and fertility for healthy growth.
RepottingYarrow 'Forncett Fletton' rarely needs repotting as it is generally grown as a perennial outdoor plant. Division can be done every few years in the spring to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Forncett Fletton' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in average outdoor environments. It does not require specific humidity levels when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full light; ensure well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 12-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea 'Forncett Fletton', commonly known as Yarrow 'Forncett Fletton', begins its life cycle as a seed. Upon germination in the right conditions—typically in early spring—the seed develops into a small seedling, characterized by emergent leaves. As the seedling grows and becomes established, it enters a vegetative stage where it produces a clump of feathery, fern-like foliage. During late spring to summer, the plant transitions to the flowering stage, displaying clusters of small, tightly-packed flowers atop sturdy stems, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which mature by late summer or fall. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during colder months, with some parts dying back, while the root system remains alive to begin the cycle anew when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Achillea 'Forncett Fletton', commonly known as yarrow, is typically propagated through division, which is a highly preferred method for many perennial plants. Division is best carried out in the early spring or fall when the plant's growth is less active. To propagate yarrow by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure that each piece has a portion of the roots and some of the above-ground plant. These sections can then be immediately replanted in a prepared area of the garden with well-draining soil, spacing them around 1 to 2 feet apart (30 to 60 centimeters) to allow for adequate growth. Water the newly transplanted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. The division method offers the advantage of multiplying your plants while also rejuvenating older clumps that might have become woody or less productive over time.
