Yarrow Achillea 'McVities'
ABOUT
Achillea 'McVities', commonly referred to as Yarrow, is a notably attractive perennial known for its distinctive foliage and flower clusters. The plant typically has feathery, finely divided leaves that are often a soft grey-green color, lending a delicate and airy texture to the garden composition. These leaves may sometimes have a slightly fuzzy or hairy appearance and are arranged in a spiraling fashion up the length of the stems, giving a full and lush look to the plant. The most striking feature is the flowers, which are arranged in flattened clusters, known as corymbs or umbels, that rise above the foliage. Each cluster consists of numerous small, individual flowers that can range in color but often display in hues of lemon-yellow, giving a bright and cheerful aspect to the plant. These flower clusters are particularly appealing to butterflies and a host of other pollinators. Yarrow has a robust and hardy nature, suitable for a variety of garden settings. Its appearance offers a combination of both a wild, natural look and a well-kept, structured character that can complement informal cottage gardens as well as more formal borders. The plant's general shape is spreading and clump-forming, and it possesses a rustic charm that has been utilized in garden schemes for generations. Its foliage and flowers may also release a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed, adding to the sensory experience of the plant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yarrow, McVities Yarrow.
Common names
Achillea 'McVities'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals when handled due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones in the plant. If ingested in large amounts, yarrow can be potentially harmful, potentially causing increased photosensitivity, dizziness, headaches, or digestive upset. However, yarrow has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, so moderate ingestion as part of a herbal remedy is generally safe. Care should be taken to avoid consuming large quantities of the plant.
To pets
Yarrow can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. In pets, the ingestion of yarrow might lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia. If a large amount is consumed, it might result in increased photosensitivity, which is a heightened sensitivity to sunlight. As with humans, yarrow can also potentially cause skin irritation. In most cases, the symptoms are mild, but monitoring pets for signs of illness and contacting a veterinarian if concerns arise is recommended.
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
Varies
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Yarrow is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that support pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Yarrow is a hardy plant that can withstand periods of drought, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Fast Growing: Yarrow can establish itself quickly and cover bare spots in the garden, adding greenery and flowers in a short period of time.
- Soil Improvement: Its roots can help break up heavy soils and improve soil structure, promoting better plant growth.
- Long Blooming: Yarrow has a long flowering season, providing color and visual interest in the garden for much of the year.
- Pest Resistance: It is naturally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Companion Planting: Yarrow can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of other plants and protect them from pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Yarrow can be used in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps which help to control pest populations.
- Natural Dye: The flowers of yarrow can be used to produce greenish-yellow to gold dyes for wool and other natural fibers.
- Lawn Alternative: Yarrow can serve as a drought-tolerant lawn substitute, requiring less water and maintenance than traditional grasses.
- Composting Activator: Yarrow can be added to compost piles to help accelerate the breakdown process due to its high nitrogen content.
- Soil Improvement: Yarrow is known to improve soil quality by breaking up hard soils with its deep roots and improving soil aeration.
- Prevention of Soil Erosion: With its mat-forming habit, yarrow can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Natural Mulch: Dried yarrow can be used as a mulching material to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Floral Arrangements: The dried flowers of yarrow are often used in floral arrangements due to their longevity and variety of colors.
- Crafts: Yarrow flowers and stems can be used for making decorative wreaths, potpourri or other craft projects.
- Biodynamic Gardening: Yarrow is considered an essential plant in biodynamic agriculture practices for its purported ability to attract spiritual forces in the garden.
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, who according to legend used this plant to treat wounds, the yarrow symbolizes courage and heroism in facing battles.
- Healing: Historically, yarrow has been used for its medicinal properties to heal physical wounds and alleviate ailments, making it a symbol of healing and comfort.
- Protection: Folklore suggests that yarrow was used for protection against negative energies and was believed to ward off evil.
- Divination: In some traditions, yarrow sticks were used for I Ching divination, making it a symbol of guidance and the search for personal understanding.
- Love: Due to its role in folk love spells, yarrow can represent lasting love and is sometimes associated with weddings and handfasting rituals.
WaterYarrow (Achillea 'McVities') should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. This plant is drought-tolerant once established, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During active growth in the spring and summer, watering once every week with about one inch or around 0.62 gallons per square yard should suffice. During the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and other fungal diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for deep watering at the base of the plant.
LightYarrow requires full sun to grow and thrive, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is an open area that isn't shaded by trees or other structures. Without enough light, it may not bloom as vigorously, and its stems can become weak and floppy.
TemperatureThe common yarrow is hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 75°F but can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and maximum temperatures well over 90°F. This resilience makes it suitable for growth in many climates and it is generally considered hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
PruningYarrow should be pruned to encourage vigorous growth and improve air circulation. After the first flush of flowers fade, deadhead the plant by cutting the spent blooms back to a set of new leaves. This will often stimulate a second blooming. At the end of the growing season, you can cut the plant back to the ground. This should be done annually, usually in late fall or early winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow (Achillea 'McVities') thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite promotes good drainage and fertility. Amend the soil with organic material annually to maintain nutrient levels.
RepottingYarrow, commonly known as Achillea 'McVities', does not typically require frequent repotting. It can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its container, which may be every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingYarrow, commonly referred to as Achillea 'McVities', is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average atmospheric conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place yarrow (Achillea 'McVities') in bright light, water when dry.
Outdoor
Plant yarrow (Achillea 'McVities') in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Achillea millefolium, also known as Yarrow, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when temperatures are favorable. After sprouting, the seedling stage involves the growth of several fern-like foliage leaves, and the plant begins to establish a strong root system. As the plant reaches maturity during its first or second year, it develops a clumping growth habit with a woody, persistent base. Flower stalks emerge in early to mid-summer bearing numerous small, daisy-like flowers in flat-topped clusters; these are often used in dried flower arrangements and are attractive to pollinators. The plant goes through a period of flowering and seed production, after which seeds disperse to start a new generation. Finally, the above-ground portions die back in late autumn or winter, but the plant's hardy root system allows it to survive and regenerate the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Achillea 'McVities', commonly known as Yarrow, is most commonly propagated through division, a method best done in the spring or fall. This involves digging up an established clump of yarrow and gently separating it into smaller sections, each with a part of the root system intact. The divisions should then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. It's crucial to provide regular watering until the plants are well-rooted and showing signs of new growth, usually within a few weeks.
