King Edward Yarrow Achillea × lewisii 'King Edward'
ABOUT
Achillea × lewisii 'King Edward', commonly known as King Edward yarrow, is a perennial plant notable for its vibrant and attractive floral display. The plant boasts a dense, mat-forming growth habit, with vibrant green, fern-like foliage that creates a textured backdrop for the flowers. The leaves are finely dissected and soft to the touch, imparting a delicate, feathery appearance. The flowers of King Edward yarrow emerge in flat-topped clusters called corymbs, which are composed of numerous tiny, daisy-like blooms. These flowers are typically a striking shade of golden-yellow, infusing a warm, cheerful color into the garden. The individual blooms are tight-knit, creating a landing platform for pollinating insects such as butterflies and bees, which are attracted to the nectar and pollen. Flowering generally occurs during the summer months, lending a long-lasting and eye-catching aspect to borders, rock gardens, and mixed perennial beds. The robust nature of King Edward yarrow, together with its ornamental qualities, makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to introduce a splash of color and textural contrast to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
King Edward Yarrow
Common names
Achillea × lewisii 'King Edward'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow (Achillea × lewisii 'King Edward') is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities. In sensitive individuals, ingesting yarrow could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or diarrhea. Contact with the skin may cause dermatitis in some people, so it is advisable for individuals to avoid ingesting the plant or handling it excessively if they are prone to allergies.
To pets
Yarrow (Achillea × lewisii 'King Edward') is also generally considered to be non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it is not specifically listed as poisonous, pets that ingest it may experience mild digestive upset. Symptoms might include vomiting and diarrhea, though these are typically not severe. As with humans, some pets may be more sensitive, and ingestion could lead to more pronounced symptoms. It is always prudent to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The Achillea × lewisii 'King Edward', commonly known as Yarrow, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Yarrow is highly tolerant to dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Easy to grow: Yarrow is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and requires minimal care once established.
- Landscape versatility: Yarrow's compact size and attractive foliage make it suitable for borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover.
- Long blooming period: It offers long-lasting blooms that can provide color from early to late summer.
- Deer resistance: Yarrow is generally not preferred by deer, making it a good option for gardens in areas with a deer population.
- Low maintenance: Requires little maintenance, reducing the need for fertilizer and pesticides, and can be an excellent addition to sustainable landscapes.
- Propagation ease: Yarrow can be easily propagated by division, making it simple to expand or share with other gardeners.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Achillea 'King Edward' can be used to create a natural yellow to green dye for fabrics, wool, and yarn.
- Companion Planting: This plant is beneficial in the garden to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help pollinate nearby fruits and vegetables.
- Natural Pest Repellent: The strong scent of Achillea 'King Edward' can deter certain pests, making it a useful companion for plants susceptible to infestation.
- Landscape Design: Given its compact growth and attractive foliage, it’s often used in rock gardens, borders, and ground cover applications to provide visual interest.
- Biological Indicator: Achillea 'King Edward' can serve as an indicator plant, reflecting the health of the ecosystem where it's grown based on its vigor and appearance.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers of Achillea 'King Edward' can be used fresh or dried in bouquets and decorative displays due to their long-lasting nature.
- Wildlife Habitat: This plant can offer shelter and food for various insects and small animals as part of a wildlife-friendly garden environment.
- Green Roofing: Because of its drought-tolerance and low-maintenance nature, Achillea 'King Edward' can be a suitable option for planting on green roofs.
- Art and Craft: The dried stems and flower heads can be used in the creation of natural art projects, such as botanical collages or herbarium sheets.
- Erosion Control: Its ability to spread and form mats makes it effective at stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes and banks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe King Edward is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe King Edward is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Courage: Achillea is named after the Greek hero Achilles, who was famed for his bravery in the Trojan War. This plant symbolizes courage as it embodies the legendary qualities of its namesake.
- Healing: Historically, Achilles was said to have used yarrow, the common name for Achillea, to treat his soldiers' wounds. Therefore, yarrow represents healing both in physical and emotional aspects.
- Protection: Due to its traditional use as a wound herb, yarrow is also associated with protection, as it was believed to safeguard against negative influences and illnesses.
- Love: In ancient times, yarrow was used in love charms and was believed to bring about romantic attraction, making it a symbol of love and affection.
- Divination: Yarrow has a history of use in divination rituals, symbolizing the ability to reveal hidden insights and foretell the future through mystical means.
WaterWater the Gold Plate Yarrow when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to about once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down. Soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the pot, indicating that the roots have received enough moisture. For outdoor plants in garden beds, apply approximately one to two gallons per square yard every week during dry spells, adjusting as necessary for rainfall. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
LightGold Plate Yarrow thrives in full sun, so place it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant tolerates partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less than ideal sun exposure. The best spot for the plant is an open area with unobstructed access to sunlight, as this encourages strong growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureGold Plate Yarrow is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter hardiness is generally strong, but in areas with very harsh winters, providing some protection like mulch can help.
PruningPrune Gold Plate Yarrow in late winter or early spring just before new growth starts to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged stems. Pruning after the first flush of flowers can encourage a second bloom period later in the season. Cut back the plant by about one-third to maintain its size and vigor. The best time for extensive pruning is after the flowering has finished, before the onset of winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for King Edward Achillea is one that is well-draining and moderately fertile. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite to improve drainage works well. The ideal soil pH for King Edward Achillea should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingKing Edward Achillea, being a perennial, does not need frequent repotting. It should be repotted or divided every 2-3 years to ensure vigor and to manage its spread. Spring is the best time for repotting this plant.
Humidity & MistingKing Edward Achillea prefers a dry to moderate humidity environment. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in arid conditions typical of its natural habitat. It does not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 12-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAchillea × lewisii 'King Edward', commonly known as King Edward Yarrow, begins its life as a seed, which upon finding favorable conditions of light, temperature, and moisture germinates in the spring. The seedling develops a rosette of feathery, fern-like leaves close to the ground while establishing its root system. As it matures, the plant produces a flower stalk during late spring to early summer, which culminates in a flat-topped cluster of small, yellow flowers attractive to a variety of pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can disperse in the surrounding area to produce new plants. In the autumn, above-ground parts may die back, but the plant is a perennial, so its rootstock survives through winter to regenerate the next spring. After several years of growth, the plant may become woody at the base and could require division to rejuvenate and propagate it.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The Achillea × lewisii 'King Edward', commonly known as the 'King Edward' Yarrow, can be propagated primarily by division or by cuttings. The most popular method is division, which is typically done in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots attached. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, ideally spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It is essential to keep the newly planted divisions well-watered until they are established and to maintain even moisture levels throughout the growing season. With this method, yarrow quickly establishes itself and will spread to fill in the space, creating a full and lush appearance in the garden.
