Yarrow Achillea 'Pretty Belinda'
ABOUT
'Pretty Belinda' is a striking perennial plant that displays an array of beautiful colors. It features a dense, clumping habit and is notable for its flat-topped clusters of small, vibrant flowers which can range in color from pink to shades of lavender. These flower heads are composed of numerous tiny, tightly-packed blossoms that give the appearance of a singular, large flower from a distance. The foliage of 'Pretty Belinda' is equally attractive, with feathery, finely-divided leaves that are often a silvery-green hue, providing a lovely contrast to the colorful blooms. The plant typically blooms during the summer months, inviting a flurry of pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Its overall aesthetic is one that adds charm and a cottage garden feel to any landscape where bright, long-lasting color is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Yarrow, Milfoil, Pretty Belinda Yarrow.
Common names
Achillea 'Pretty Belinda'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow 'Pretty Belinda' is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to the plant, particularly if they have a history of allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse effects. Always exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect poisoning or an allergic reaction due to ingestion or handling of the plant.
To pets
Yarrow 'Pretty Belinda' is typically not considered highly toxic to pets. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of this plant, it could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants and to consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms arise after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Achillea 'Pretty Belinda', commonly known as yarrow, is excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, yarrow is extremely tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or in gardens with low water availability.
- Ease of care: Yarrow is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established, and is generally not prone to pest or disease problems.
- Long blooming period: Yarrow has a long flowering season, often providing color from early summer into autumn.
- Landscape versatility: Yarrow can be used in a variety of garden settings, from borders to rock gardens, and its fern-like foliage provides textural contrast.
- Soil adaptability: Yarrow is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, although it thrives in well-drained soil. It can tolerate both poor and rich soil conditions.
- Cut flowers: The flowers of yarrow make excellent fresh cut arrangements and are also suitable for drying, retaining color and form.
- Wildlife habitat: Beyond attracting pollinators, yarrow can also provide habitat for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
- Erosion control: With its spreading nature and substantial root system, yarrow can be effective in preventing soil erosion on slopes or in problem areas.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Known to contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: Possesses mild antiseptic properties which may be useful in cleaning wounds and preventing infections.
- Carminative: Can help to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating and gas due to its carminative effects.
- Diaphoretic: Promotes sweating and can help to reduce fevers by encouraging perspiration.
- Astringent: The astringent quality of the plant may help in toning skin and mucous membranes and reducing bleeding from minor abrasions.
- Hemostatic: Sometimes used to slow or stop bleeding, making it potentially useful for minor cuts and scrapes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowers of Achillea 'Pretty Belinda', commonly known as yarrow, can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, with shades ranging from soft yellows to deep greens depending on mordants used.
- Companion Planting: Yarrow can be planted alongside vegetable gardens where it can attract beneficial insects that prey on pests and thereby help to protect the crops.
- Biodynamic Preparations: Yarrow is sometimes used in biodynamic farming practices to make soil treatments that are believed to enhance the soil's health and vitality.
- Flower Arranging: The bright, clustered flowers of yarrow make excellent fresh or dried arrangements, adding color and texture to bouquets.
- Soil Erosion Control: Due to its extensive root system, yarrow can be used to stabilize soil and manage erosion in certain landscapes.
- Lawn Alternative: Low-growing varieties of yarrow can be used as a durable, drought-resistant lawn substitute, requiring less water and maintenance than traditional grasses.
- Indicator Plant: Yarrow can be used as an indicator plant; its growth can reflect the soil's potassium levels, helping gardeners adjust soil fertility accordingly.
- Magic and Folklore: In some traditions, yarrow is used in divination or spells for protection and courage.
- Crafting: Dried yarrow flowers can be used in the crafting of potpourri, wreaths, or other decorative items for their texture and longevity.
- Animal Feed: While not common, yarrow can be used as a supplemental feed for livestock, providing a range of essential nutrients when mixed with other forage.
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: Named after the mythical Greek hero Achilles, Achillea is commonly known as "yarrow" and has long been associated with healing due to its historical use in traditional medicine to treat wounds.
- Protection: Yarrow has been used in various cultures for protection and often carried by travelers and soldiers to ward off negative influences and injuries.
- Courage: Reflecting its connection to the warrior Achilles, yarrow symbolizes bravery and courage in the face of adversity.
- Love: In some traditions, yarrow is used in love charms and is believed to attract love or maintain a romantic relationship.
- Divination: Yarrow stalks have been used in I Ching divination practices, symbolizing the search for wisdom and guidance from higher powers.
- Perseverance: The hardy nature of yarrow, able to grow in challenging environments, represents endurance and the ability to thrive under difficult circumstances.
WaterYarrow 'Pretty Belinda' requires moderate watering, being sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During active growth in spring and summer, water approximately once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time or roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture. Overwatering or allowing the yarrow to sit in waterlogged soil can lead to rot, so ensure good drainage. When watering, aim to soak the soil around the roots rather than watering from overhead to minimize leaf wetness and potential disease.
LightYarrow 'Pretty Belinda' thrives best in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom abundantly. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can make the plant leggy and reduce flowering. Find a spot that receives ample sunlight from morning through afternoon to ensure vibrant, healthy growth.
TemperatureYarrow 'Pretty Belinda' can withstand a wide range of temperatures, typically surviving winter lows down to about -30°F and thriving in summer highs up to 90°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth falls between 65°F and 75°F. Yarrows are hardy plants that can tolerate both the cold of winter and the heat of summer when properly established.
PruningPrune Yarrow 'Pretty Belinda' to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and increase flowering. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous blooms. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 4 to 6 inches to help rejuvenate and stimulate sturdy, new growth. Pruning just after a flush of blooms can also encourage a second bloom period in the same season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Pretty Belinda' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand in equal parts is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. Avoid soil that retains too much moisture to prevent root rot.
RepottingYarrow 'Pretty Belinda' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be replanted every few years as it is a hardy perennial. Monitor the plant's growth, and repot when it becomes root-bound or overcrowded in its current container.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Pretty Belinda' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average outdoor environment. It is not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in areas with low to moderate atmospheric moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun exposure and well-draining potting mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Yarrow 'Pretty Belinda' begins with seed germination, typically in spring, when the temperature and moisture conditions are optimal. The seedlings emerge and develop into young plants, establishing a strong root system and rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state, producing an abundance of finely dissected foliage and preparing for its reproductive phase. During the flowering stage, usually from early to late summer, 'Pretty Belinda' produces clusters of small, pink flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which are then dispersed by wind or wildlife, ensuring the continuation of the species. Finally, as temperatures drop in the fall, Yarrow 'Pretty Belinda' may die back, especially in colder climates, entering a period of dormancy before the cycle begins anew in the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Achillea 'Pretty Belinda', commonly known as Yarrow, is most frequently propagated through division, a process ideally carried out in the spring or early fall. To propagate Yarrow by division, first, carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring a generous root ball is intact to minimize stress on the plant. Next, using a sharp spade or knife, split the plant into smaller segments, each with an adequate piece of the root system attached. It's important to ensure that each new division has at least one shoot for regeneration. After the divisions have been created, replant the segments at the same depth they were growing previously and water them thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to quickly expand their Yarrow collection while also rejuvenating older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous in the center.
