Yarrow Achillea 'Lucky Break'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Lucky Break' is a perennial herb known for its striking visual appeal. This plant features a dense cluster of fern-like, aromatic foliage that creates a lush backdrop for its standout feature—the flowers. The foliage tends to be a deep green, providing a beautiful contrast to the blooms. The blooms of 'Lucky Break' are organized into flat-topped flower clusters, known as corymbs. These corymbs showcase a plethora of tiny individual flowers, presenting an impressive, almost velvet-like appearance. The flowers themselves tend to be a vibrant shade, ranging from soft pastel tones to more intense hues, which add a splash of color to gardens throughout its blooming period. A characteristic that makes this plant particularly attractive is its extended flowering season, with blossoms adorning the plant for an extended period of time. The visual impact of these blooms is further enhanced when they are planted in groups, creating swathes of color that are particularly appealing to butterflies and other pollinators. Moreover, 'Lucky Break' is appreciated not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions, making it a favored choice among gardeners looking to add a low-maintenance yet visually striking element to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yarrow, Milfoil, Nosebleed.
Common names
Achillea 'Lucky Break'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow (Achillea 'Lucky Break') is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some individuals upon handling. Ingestion in small quantities is typically not harmful, but consuming larger amounts may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea and vomiting. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential health risks.
To pets
Yarrow (Achillea 'Lucky Break') is not commonly listed as a highly toxic plant to pets, such as dogs and cats. However, if a pet were to ingest a significant amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Preventing pets from grazing on ornamental plants is generally recommended to avoid possible adverse health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Yarrow is known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, yarrow is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: With its hardy nature, yarrow requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Deer Resistant: Yarrow is not a preferred plant for deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Versatile Landscaping Plant: Yarrow can be used in a variety of garden settings, from borders to rock gardens to meadows.
- Long Blooming Season: Yarrow has a lengthy flowering season, typically from early summer to early fall, providing extended color in the landscape.
- Easy to Propagate: Yarrow can be easily propagated through division or cuttings, making it simple to expand your garden or share with others.
- Range of Colors: 'Lucky Break' offers a variety of bloom colors which can enhance the visual appeal of garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Lucky Break', commonly known as yarrow, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- The plant can be planted alongside crops as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies that prey on pests.
- Yarrow can be used in permaculture gardens as a nutrient accumulator, its deep roots bring up nutrients from deep in the soil to the surface.
- The plant's fibrous stems can be incorporated into papermaking for a decorative effect.
- Yarrow, when dried, can be used in potpourri mixes because of its enduring scent and its ability to retain color.
- The flowers of yarrow can be added to compost piles as activators to speed up the decomposition process.
- Yarrow can be used as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas; it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
- Used in biodynamic farming, yarrow preparations are believed to improve soil health and stimulate plant vitality.
- The plant may be utilized in natural pest management, by creating a barrier with its strong scent that repels certain insects.
- Yarrow can be used in floral arrangements as a filler flower to provide texture and contrast.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiYarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityYarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The Achillea genus is commonly known as yarrow, and this plant is named after the Greek hero Achilles who, according to mythology, used yarrow to heal the wounds of his soldiers, hence symbolizing healing powers.
- Protection: Yarrow has traditionally been used to ward off negative energies and is thought to provide protection, its presence believed to create a barrier against harm.
- Courage: Reflecting the valiant nature of Achilles, yarrow can symbolize courage and bravery, often reminding one to face challenges head-on.
- Love and Attraction: Yarrow has been used in love charms and is believed to draw love and affection, symbolizing the power to attract and bond with others.
- Divination: In the past, yarrow stalks have been used for I Ching divination, making the plant a symbol of guidance and the seeking of wisdom or answers.
- Good Luck: As 'Lucky Break' suggests, yarrow can be a symbol of good fortune and positive outcomes, representing hope for luck and success in future endeavors.
WaterThe Yarrow 'Lucky Break' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings as Yarrow prefers drier conditions. During active growing seasons like spring and summer, watering once a week with approximately one gallon per plant should be sufficient. However, this may need to be adjusted depending on climate conditions such as heat and wind which can dry out the soil more rapidly. During the fall and as the plant goes dormant in winter, reduce watering frequency.
LightYarrow 'Lucky Break' thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It's ideally suited to open areas that aren't shaded by trees or buildings. This plant can tolerate some light shade, but too much may result in leggier growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureYarrow 'Lucky Break' is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can survive in conditions as cold as -30°F and as warm as 90°F. The ideal growing conditions for Yarrow would involve daytime temperatures in the range of 60°F to 75°F. It's a hardy plant that can endure the frost of early spring or late fall without concern.
PruningPrune Yarrow 'Lucky Break' to remove spent flower stems and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading through the flowering season can promote more buds. In late fall or early spring, you should cut back the foliage to about 2-3 inches above ground level to maintain a tidy appearance and stimulate new growth. The best time for pruning is when the flowers start to fade and the stems begin to look untidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Lucky Break' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0. A good mix for this plant would consist of loamy garden soil, coarse sand, and compost to provide adequate drainage and nutrients. Avoid heavy clay or overly rich soils that can retain moisture and lead to root rot.
RepottingYarrow 'Lucky Break' generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Lucky Break' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and typically prefers average ambient humidity. It does not require any special humidity conditions and is quite tolerant of dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place yarrow 'Lucky Break' in bright indirect light, ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant yarrow 'Lucky Break' in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Achillea 'Lucky Break', commonly known as Yarrow, begins with the germination of seeds, which require well-draining soil and full sunlight to sprout successfully. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the growth of feathery, fern-like foliage. As the plant matures, it develops sturdy stems that lead to the hallmark of Yarrow, its vibrant and eye-catching flower clusters, composed of many small, tightly-packed flowers that bloom in the late spring to early summer. Following pollination by insects attracted to the flowers, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife to give rise to new plants. After flowering, Yarrow may enter a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, with the above-ground portions dying back and the plant surviving underground through its hardy rhizomes. The next season, the plant will re-emerge from these rhizomes, or the new seeds will sprout, continuing its lifecycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Achillea 'Lucky Break', often known as yarrow, is through division. This is ideally done in the spring or early fall to ensure the plant has enough time to establish before extreme weather. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established yarrow plant and gently separate the rootball into smaller sections, each with its own set of shoots and roots. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously and water them well. This method allows for the quick establishment of new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and often bloom in the following growing season.
