Yarrow Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety'
ABOUT
Parker's Variety is known for its striking appearance, characterized by broad, flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like flowers that exhibit a radiant, deep yellow hue. This gives the plant a conspicuous presence in gardens, attracting both the eyes of onlookers and numerous pollinators like butterflies. The flowers are held aloft by sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. Beneath the floral display, the plant features fern-like, aromatic green leaves that are finely divided and exude a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed. These leaves form a dense mat, providing a lush backdrop that highlights the vibrant yellow blooms. The contrast between the delicate-looking leaves and the bold flowers creates an eye-catching texture and a sense of fullness to the display. Parker's Variety is a perennial, meaning it will return year after year to grace gardens with its cheerful color and feathery foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Parker's Variety Yarrow, Fern-leaf Yarrow, Yellow Yarrow
Common names
Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are vital for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is very tolerant of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or in gardens with low water availability.
- Heat Tolerant: It can tolerate high temperatures, perfect for sunny and warm climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners who prefer a low-maintenance landscape.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant has a long flowering period, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers bright yellow flowers that add a splash of color to garden beds and borders.
- Cut Flower: Its flowers can be used in fresh floral arrangements, providing long-lasting cut flowers.
- Deer Resistant: It is not a preferred plant for deer, so it tends to remain undamaged in areas with deer populations.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Durable: It can stand up to windy conditions and is not easily damaged by weather.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Achillea filipendulina contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: Has been traditionally used for its antiseptic properties to clean wounds.
- Astringent: Can be used topically for its astringent effects to tone skin and reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.
- Carminative: Known to ease digestive issues such as gas and bloating.
- Emmenagogue: Historically used to stimulate menstrual flow.
- Hepatoprotective: There is some evidence to suggest it may help protect the liver.
- Antispasmodic: Might provide relief from muscle spasms and cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety', commonly known as Fern-leaf Yarrow, can be used as a natural dye. The flowers and leaves yield yellow and green hues which can be used in coloring textiles.
- The plant's dry flower heads are incorporated into an autumnal potpourri mix because of their longevity in colour and form.
- Fern-leaf Yarrow is sometimes used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on garden pests.
- Its flat-topped flower clusters can be used in crafts, such as making natural flower arrangements or for use in decorating hats and other accessories.
- The fern-like foliage can be included in pressed flower art, particularly because it maintains shape and color well when dried.
- Gardeners may plant Fern-leaf Yarrow as a border plant to deter animals such as deer and rabbits, which typically avoid its aromatic leaves.
- The strong stems of Fern-leaf Yarrow make it ideal for use in living plant supports, where they help sustain nearby plants with weaker stems.
- The plant can serve as an indicator of soil fertility; lush growth often indicates rich soil, whereas sparser growth can suggest poor conditions.
- Fern-leaf Yarrow’s striking appearance is utilized in landscape design, offering texture contrast against plants with broad leaves or smooth textures.
- Used in floral crowns and natural jewellery, the blooms of Fern-leaf Yarrow add a wildflower charm and a touch of color to wearable plant art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing – Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety', commonly known as Yarrow, is associated with healing due to its historical use in herbal medicine to treat wounds and reduce fever.
- Courage – Named after the Greek hero Achilles, who used the plant to treat his soldiers' wounds in mythology, Yarrow symbolizes bravery and war.
- Protection – Yarrow is believed to ward off negative energies and is often used in traditional practices for protection.
- Love and Attraction – In folklore, Yarrow has been used in love spells and is thought to attract love or help mend broken hearts.
- Divination – The plant is associated with divination and was used in I Ching (Chinese Classic of Changes) to assist in making predictions.
- Endurance – Its ability to thrive in tough conditions and recover from damage makes Yarrow symbolic of endurance and perseverance.
WaterFor the common yarrow (Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety'), it's best to water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry, which may equate to about once per week depending on the climate and weather conditions. Typically, yarrow requires around 1 inch of water per week, which translates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. Reduce the frequency of watering as the plant becomes established since yarrow is drought tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil drains well.
LightYarrow (Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety') thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for yarrow would be an open area without shade from trees or buildings, where it can bask in unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade is tolerable, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and affect flower production.
TemperatureYarrow (Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety') is tolerant to a wide range of temperatures but performs best in areas where daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. It can withstand cold down to about -30°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates, and can survive heat up to approximately 90°F without stress.
PruningPruning yarrow (Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety') helps maintain its shape, encourages new growth, and can enhance flowering. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous blooms. Cut back the plant by about one-third in late fall or early spring to keep it tidy and to stimulate sturdy new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Fern-leaf Yarrow is a well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. You can create an ideal mix by blending garden soil with compost and a small amount of coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage. This plant thrives in less fertile soil, so avoid soil that is too rich or heavy.
RepottingFern-leaf Yarrows are typically not repotted as they are perennial plants that are best grown outdoors. However, if growing in containers, repotting can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingFern-leaf Yarrows are quite tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do well in the average humidity found in most outdoor environments. They do not require any special humidity conditions as they are quite hardy and adapt well to typical garden air moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, and spaced about 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe perennial plant known as Parker's Yarrow, or Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety', begins its life cycle as a seed, which on germination, produces a small seedling. The seedling establishes a root system and develops into a rosette of leaves, entering a vegetative stage. Over time, the plant matures and elongates to form flowering stalks, typically in the late spring or early summer. Pollination occurs through the aid of insects, leading to the production of seeds by the end of the summer or beginning of fall. After seed production, Parker's Yarrow may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, with foliage dying back and the plant relying on its root system to survive the winter. Come the following spring, the plant regrows from the rootstock, completing the cycle and beginning the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Achillea filipendulina 'Parker's Variety', commonly known as Fern-leaf Yarrow, is commonly propagated by dividing the plant. This is best done in the early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the soil with a spade, ensuring that you have a good amount of roots for each division. Separate the plant into smaller clumps, each with a portion of the root system, by either gently teasing the roots apart with your hands or cutting them with a sharp knife. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, maintaining adequate space between them to allow for growth. Water them well to help establish the new plants. This method is simple, efficient, and helps rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less productive.
