Common Yarrow Achillea millefolium 'Rose Madder'
ABOUT
The Achillea millefolium 'Rose Madder', commonly known as the common yarrow, is a captivating plant that showcases a beautiful array of feathery, finely dissected leaves which exhibit a soft green color. These delicate leaves provide a striking contrast to the plant's most striking feature: its flat-topped clusters of small, vibrant rose-pink flowers. The blossoms form a dense, plate-like canopy of color that sits elegantly atop the lacy foliage. The flowers have a somewhat flattened appearance and can have a tiny, white or yellowish central disk, which adds an intricate detail to the overall floral display. The common yarrow has a robust and enduring presence in the garden, with flowering heads that maintain their visual appeal even as they age. During the growing season, this plant offers a long-lasting display, with its richly hued petals attracting a variety of beneficial insects like butterflies and bees. Overall, the common yarrow 'Rose Madder' is distinguished by its vibrant colors and fine-textured leaves that come together in a display full of texture and hues, creating a spectacular visual interest without the consideration of its size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Staunchweed, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand-Leaf, Nosebleed, Carpenter's Weed, Bloodwort, Old Man's Pepper.
Common names
Achillea millefolium 'Rose Madder'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow, the common name for Achillea millefolium 'Rose Madder', is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause increased photosensitivity, allergic reactions, or gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Some individuals may also have an allergic reaction to the plant. Yarrow essential oils should be used with caution, as they can be potent and have additional risks.
To pets
Yarrow is generally not highly toxic to pets, but it can cause mild digestive upset if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or loss of appetite. While these symptoms are typically not severe, it is always best to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from consuming any parts of the plant, and consult your veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Rose
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Achillea millefolium, commonly known as Yarrow, has a 'Rose Madder' variety that features deep pink flower clusters, adding vibrant color and visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Yarrow is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, which can help in the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for water-wise landscaping and areas with water restrictions.
- Low Maintenance: 'Rose Madder' Yarrow requires minimal care once it is established, it can thrive in poor soil and does not need frequent fertilizing or watering.
- Erosion Control: The deep-rooting system of Yarrow helps to stabilize soil and can prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Cultural Significance: Yarrow has been used historically in many cultures, and including it in a garden can provide historical and educational value.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: This plant is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, thus it is less likely to suffer from their grazing compared to more susceptible plants.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Yarrow returns each year, reducing the need for annual replanting and providing long-term structure in the garden design.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Yarrow has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: Due to its tannin content, yarrow is known for its astringent properties.
- Hemostatic: Yarrow is traditionally used to stop bleeding from small wounds.
- Antispasmodic: May help relieve spasms in the digestive tract.
- Carminative: This plant is sometimes used to relieve flatulence and bloating.
- Diaphoretic: Yarrow has been used to induce sweating, which can help reduce fevers.
- Antiseptic: Yarrow is sometimes applied to wounds to prevent infection.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion planting: Yarrow 'Rose Madder' can help enhance the growth of nearby plants by increasing nutrient availability in the soil and potentially deterring harmful pests.
- Natural pest repellent: When planted in a garden, yarrow 'Rose Madder' can repel certain insect pests, thereby protecting other plants.
- Landscape design: Yarrow can be used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation, due to its drought tolerance.
- Dye production: The flowers of yarrow 'Rose Madder' can be used to make a range of natural dyes for fabrics or other materials.
- Soil conservation: Due to its sturdy root system, yarrow can help prevent soil erosion in vulnerable areas such as slopes or banks.
- Fodder for livestock: Although not a primary choice for fodder, yarrow can be consumed by livestock when other preferred forages are not available.
- Floral arrangements: The attractive flowers of yarrow 'Rose Madder' are often used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
- Season markers: Yarrow can be used as a natural phenological indicator as its flowering period can signal specific seasonal transitions in certain regions.
- Eco-friendly lawn alternative: Yarrow 'Rose Madder' can be used as a low-maintenance, drought-resistant ground cover instead of grass in lawns.
- Biomarker for pollution: Yarrow has the potential to be used as a bioindicator species to monitor environmental pollution and soil health.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as Yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant commonly known as Yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Achillea millefolium, commonly known as Yarrow, has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and the alleviation of physical ailments.
- Courage: Said to be named after the mythical Greek hero Achilles, who used it to treat wounds, Yarrow is associated with bravery and courage on the battlefield.
- Protection: Yarrow has been thought to ward off negative energies and is symbolically used to offer protection from evil and harm.
- Love: In some traditions, Yarrow is used in divination rituals associated with love, symbolizing the quest for a romantic partner and the anticipation of love’s twists and turns.
- Spirituality: Its use in various rituals also makes Yarrow a symbol of spiritual healing and the opening of psychic abilities.
WaterYarrow should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Typically, watering with 1-2 gallons per plant every couple of weeks during dry periods is sufficient. Ensure the soil is well-draining as yarrow doesn't like to sit in wet soil. Overwatering or waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. In regions with regular rainfall, additional watering may only be necessary during extended dry spells.
LightYarrow thrives best in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a spot where it isn't shaded by trees or other taller plants. If grown in partial shade, yarrow may not flower as vigorously and the stems can become leggy as they stretch towards the light.
TemperatureYarrow is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, from as cold as -30°F to highs around 90°F, but its ideal growing temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. It is important to protect the plant from extreme heat, which can stress it, especially during a drought.
PruningPruning yarrow includes deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to prevent self-seeding if not desired. Cut back the plant by about one-third to one-half in early spring to promote bushy growth. Additionally, after the first killing frost in fall or early winter, cut the plant back to the ground to maintain a tidy appearance and prepare it for its next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCommon Yarrow ('Rose Madder') thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can create an ideal growing medium.
RepottingCommon Yarrow ('Rose Madder') is a perennial and typically does not need frequent repotting. Repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container should suffice.
Humidity & MistingCommon Yarrow ('Rose Madder') is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space out plants.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleYarrow 'Rose Madder' (Achillea millefolium 'Rose Madder') begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in the spring, develops into a small seedling with characteristic feathery foliage. The plant establishes a fibrous root system and grows into a compact perennial with a strong, spreading habit. During late spring to early summer, the yarrow sends up flowering stalks adorned with clusters of small, pinkish-red flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After the flowering period, seeds develop and mature by late summer, which can fall to the ground to self-sow or be collected for propagation. Throughout the growing season, yarrow 'Rose Madder' also propagates vegetatively by spreading rhizomes, allowing the plant to expand its growth and establish new clumps nearby. Finally, as winter approaches, the foliage may die back, especially in colder climates, but the plant will typically re-emerge the following spring from its root structure or rhizomes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The common yarrow, Achillea millefolium 'Rose Madder', can be propagated most effectively through division, which is best done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of yarrow and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system intact. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were previously growing. Ensure you water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method promotes quicker establishment and flowering than starting yarrow from seed.
