Yarrow Achillea 'Hella Glashoff'
ABOUT
The Achillea 'Hella Glashoff', commonly known as yarrow, is a perennial plant that is well-regarded for its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant features fern-like, aromatic leaves that are a vibrant green in color. These leaves create a dense, mat-like foliage that serves as a backdrop for its most striking feature: the flowers. Yarrow blooms with clusters of tiny, daisy-like flowers grouped together in flat-topped arrays known as corymbs. The flowers of the 'Hella Glashoff' variety are particularly notable for their vivid coloring, which can vary from a deep, saturated pink to a softer pale shade. With their tightly packed arrangement, the corymbs provide a generous splash of color in the garden. The flowers are borne atop sturdy, upright stems that emerge from amongst the foliage. These flowering stems are also green, blending seamlessly with the leaves below yet sturdy enough to support the weight of the blooms. Collectively, the dense green foliage and colorful clusters of flowers of the Achillea 'Hella Glashoff' present an eye-catching display that can add both texture and hue to a garden setting. The visually appealing contrast between the greenery and the pink blooms makes this yarrow a favorite among gardeners looking to create a lively and varied landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sneezewort, Sneezeweed, White Yarrow, Pearl Yarrow
Common names
Achillea 'Hella Glashoff'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Achillea 'Hella Glashoff' is Yarrow. Yarrow is generally considered non-toxic to humans when touched or handled. However, if ingested in large quantities, it might be harmful. While Yarrow is sometimes used in traditional medicine and is deemed safe for consumption in small, controlled doses, consuming large amounts of the plant can lead to increased photosensitivity, skin rashes, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Ingesting Yarrow can also result in more severe reactions such as dizziness, headache, or increased skin sensitivity to sunlight for some individuals.
To pets
Yarrow is considered to have a mild to moderate level of toxicity to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests Yarrow, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy. It is important to monitor your pet for any signs of distress after ingestion and consult a veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Keeping Yarrow out of reach of pets and seeking professional help if they ingest a significant quantity is advisable to prevent any negative health consequences.
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
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Achillea 'Hella Glashoff', commonly known as Yarrow, produces vibrant and colorful flowers, adding beauty to garden landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: Yarrow is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Drought tolerance: As a hardy perennial, Yarrow can survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Yarrow is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in a suitable environment.
- Versatile planting: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
- Soil improvement: Yarrow can help improve soil quality over time by breaking up dense soil and adding organic matter when it decomposes.
- Companion planting: Yarrow can benefit neighboring plants by repelling certain pests and attracting beneficial insects.
- Long blooming period: Yarrow flowers over a long period from early summer to fall, ensuring garden color for an extended season.
- Erosion control: Yarrow's extensive root system helps stabilize soil, making it a good choice for slopes and areas prone to erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Hella Glashoff', commonly known as yarrow, can be used to make natural dyes for textiles, with different parts of the plant yielding various shades ranging from yellow to green.
- The plant can be added to compost piles as a compost activator to speed up the decomposition process due to its high nitrogen content.
- Yarrow is often used in permaculture gardens as a companion plant because it can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and pollinators.
- The dried stems of yarrow can be used in making handcrafted paper, providing a decorative element with its fine feathery leaves.
- Yarrow can be planted to help prevent soil erosion in areas susceptible to water runoff due to its deep and extensive root system.
- In floral arrangements, both fresh and dried yarrow flowers add a rustic and durable element that withstands wilting for an extended period.
- Yarrow can also serve as a natural lawn alternative; its ability to withstand foot traffic and drought makes it suitable for low-maintenance green spaces.
- When planted along the edges of fields, yarrow can act as a barrier crop, helping to intercept pests before they reach valuable crops.
- It's often used in ecological landscaping where low-maintenance and native plantings are preferred to support local wildlife and biodiversity.
- The plant can be used for divination in certain cultural rituals, where it is believed that the patterns formed by its stalks can be interpreted to predict the future.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Courage and Bravery - Named after the Greek hero Achilles, Achillea symbolizes courage and bravery as it is believed that the plant was used to treat his wounds during the Trojan War.
- Healing and Protection - The common name "Yarrow," refers to Achillea's long history of use in traditional medicine, symbolizing healing and protection.
- Love and Attraction - Yarrow is sometimes used in love spells and is thought to attract friends and lovers, thereby symbolizing love and attraction.
- Psychic Powers and Divination - Yarrow has been used in divination rituals and is believed to enhance psychic abilities, representing mystical insight.
- Perseverance and Resilience - The ability of yarrow to grow in harsh conditions and its widespread availability symbolize perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
WaterYarrow needs regular watering, especially during prolonged dry spells. However, it is drought tolerant once established. Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, give the plant approximately 1 inch of water per week if rainfall is insufficient. Adjust the amount of water during hot, dry periods by increasing to about 1.5 inches per week. Always allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings to encourage deep root growth and prevent root rot.
LightYarrow thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place the plant in an area where it will receive unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day. While yarrow can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to floppy growth and fewer blossoms.
TemperatureYarrow performs best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F but is hardy in a wide range from -30°F to 90°F. It can survive winter freezes and is suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. Ensure the plant has good air circulation to maintain its health in hotter temperatures.
PruningPrune yarrow to maintain its shape and encourage more robust growth. Cut back the spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage a second bloom. Perform a more substantial pruning in late fall or early spring, cutting the plant down to about 6 to 8 inches above the ground to promote healthy, new growth and prevent the center from dying out.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow (Achillea 'Hella Glashoff') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite encourages healthy growth. Ensure the soil is nutrient-rich but not overly fertile, as yarrow prefers slightly poorer soils.
RepottingYarrow (Achillea 'Hella Glashoff') doesn't need frequent repotting since it's a hardy perennial. It's typically repotted or divided every 2-3 years to rejuvenate growth and manage its spread in the garden.
Humidity & MistingYarrow (Achillea 'Hella Glashoff') is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does best in average outdoor conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements but fares well in drier environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good airflow, pot with drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining site, protect from excessive moisture.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Yarrow 'Hella Glashoff' begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, typically in early spring, under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedlings then establish and develop into young plants with a basal rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, stems elongate and foliage grows, eventually leading to the budding phase. Flowering occurs in the summer, producing clusters of tiny, often pink or pastel-colored flowers that attract pollinators and may last for several weeks. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed by wind, animals, or human activity, allowing the plant to spread and initiate new colonies. Finally, Yarrow 'Hella Glashoff' enters a period of dormancy in the late fall or winter, with the above-ground parts dying back and the plant surviving via its underground parts until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: Achillea 'Hella Glashoff', commonly known as yarrow, is best propagated during the spring or early fall. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system. This can be done by gently teasing the roots apart with your hands or by using a sharp knife to slice through the plant's root ball. Each section should have at least a few shoots or leaves present. Once divided, replant the sections immediately, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth, and water thoroughly to help establish the new plants. Division encourages healthy growth by rejuvenating older plants and is an excellent way to increase the number of yarrow plants in your garden.
