Siberian Yarrow Achillea sibirica 'Stephanie Cohen'
ABOUT
Achillea sibirica 'Stephanie Cohen', commonly known as Siberian yarrow, is a perennial plant that features distinct characteristics making it an attractive option for many gardens. The plant showcases a dense spread of feathery, fern-like leaves that provide a soft-textured backdrop in a muted green hue. These leaves form a lush, mat-like foliage which is often used to add a touch of elegance to the garden. The true charm of the Siberian yarrow lies in its blooms. The flowers are arranged in flat-topped clusters, creating a landing platform that is particularly appealing to butterflies and bees. The flower heads consist of many small, tightly-packed florets that blossom into a striking display of color. The blooms, in this cultivar, are usually in shades of pink to nearly magenta, adding a pop of vibrant color to the landscape over an extended period in the warmer months. The plant exhibits a robust and hardy nature, with stems that rise above the foliage and support the captivating flower arrangements. These stems add a vertical dimension to the plant's presence in the garden, contributing to its visual appeal. The strong stems also make 'Stephanie Cohen' an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, where the blooms can continue to captivate with their beauty indoors. Overall, the Siberian yarrow 'Stephanie Cohen' variety is an enchanting addition that combines the fine foliage with stunning floral color, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking to create a diverse and dynamic garden display.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Siberian Yarrow, Stephanie Cohen Yarrow.
Common names
Achillea sibirica 'Stephanie Cohen'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Siberian yarrow is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. If ingested, it does not typically result in serious poisoning or severe symptoms. Nonetheless, it is generally advised not to consume plant parts that are not established as being edible, as individual sensitivities can vary, potentially leading to allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Siberian yarrow is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is unlikely to cause serious harm if ingested by your pet, though individual animals might experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if they consume a large quantity of the plant. As with any non-food plant, it is wise to prevent pets from eating it, partly to avoid any potential for a rare adverse reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Siberia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Achillea sibirica 'Stephanie Cohen', commonly known as Siberian Yarrow, draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Siberian Yarrow has excellent drought resistance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or in gardens with low water availability.
- Low Maintenance: It has minimal care requirements, being resistant to most pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides a long-lasting display of flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of garden spaces across the growing season.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: Due to its compact habit and attractive foliage, it can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
- Soil Adaptability: Siberian Yarrow can grow in a range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Ability to Naturalize: Siberian Yarrow spreads and can naturalize in an area, which can be beneficial for covering large spaces or creating a natural, meadow-like appearance.
Medical Properties- Wound healing: Achillea sibirica is traditionally used for its ability to aid in wound healing due to its astringent properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be helpful in reducing swelling and pain in certain conditions.
- Antispasmodic: May be used to alleviate spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially easing cramps and discomfort.
- Antiseptic: Could have antiseptic properties, making it useful in preventing or treating infections, particularly in wounds.
- Carminative: The plant is sometimes used to help relieve flatulence or gas troubles.
- Hemostatic: May be used to stop bleeding, both internally and externally, due to its potential blood-clotting abilities.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye production: The flowers and stems of Achillea sibirica 'Stephanie Cohen', also known as Siberian yarrow, can be used to produce a range of natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues from soft yellows to deep greens depending on the mordant used.
- Companion planting: This plant can be beneficial in gardening by deterring pests through its strong scent, thus protecting neighboring plants without the need for chemical insecticides.
- Soil improver: By attracting beneficial insects that aid in pollination and pest control, Siberian yarrow can enhance the overall health and balance of garden ecosystems.
- Livestock fodder: Although not a common use, Siberian yarrow can be integrated into livestock feed as a minor component for its nutritional content.
- Crafting material: Dried flowers and stems can be used to create arrangements or decorations, either in their natural form or dyed, to add a touch of nature to arts and crafts projects.
- Erosion control: The plant's extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Landscape design: Due to its attractive foliage and flowers, Siberian yarrow can be used in xeriscape gardens, which require minimal irrigation.
- Roof greening: It can be utilized in green roof systems to create a diverse plant layer that contributes to insulation and biodiversity.
- Education: The plant's different growth stages and properties can provide educational opportunities for students learning about botany and ecology.
- Fragrance production: The aromatic oils of Siberian yarrow can be extracted and used in the development of perfumes and scented products.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Siberian yarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Siberian yarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Achillea sibirica, also known as Siberian yarrow, is often associated with healing properties because the genus Achillea is named after Achilles, who used yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds.
- Protection - Yarrow has traditionally been used to ward off negative energy and is thought to offer spiritual protection.
- Courage - Reflecting its mythological roots, yarrow symbolizes bravery and heroism, reminiscent of the ancient warriors who might have carried it.
- Love - Some cultures believe that yarrow can attract love or mend heartache, making it a symbol of love and devotion.
- Persistence - The hardy and resilient nature of Siberian yarrow represents persistence and endurance in challenging environments or situations.
WaterSiberian yarrow enjoys moderate watering and it is important to establish a consistent watering schedule. Generally, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A good approach is to provide a deep watering once every week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. This is typically around 0.5 to 1 gallon for an established plant, depending on soil type and weather conditions. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler weather or rain, less water is necessary.
LightSiberian yarrow thrives best in full sun conditions. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform well. The ideal location for this plant is a spot that gets unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, which encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureSiberian yarrow is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it quite adaptable. It performs best in temperatures ranging between 65°F and 75°F but can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -30°F. It's ideal to protect the plant from extreme heat, so during hot spells, ensure it receives adequate water to prevent stress.
PruningPruning Siberian yarrow promotes bushier growth and can prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. It's best to prune or deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom. Cut back the stems by about a third after the initial flowering to maintain a compact shape and improve the plant's appearance. This is typically done once midsummer after the first flush of blooms has faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Siberian yarrow 'Stephanie Cohen' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix is a combination of loamy soil, compost, and sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Incorporating organic matter will help retain moisture while still allowing excess water to escape, avoiding root rot.
RepottingSiberian yarrow 'Stephanie Cohen' is typically grown outdoors and may not require repotting. If grown in containers, repotting can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot, typically in the spring.
Humidity & MistingSiberian yarrow 'Stephanie Cohen' is quite tolerant of various humidity levels and prefers average to low humidity. It is well adapted to outdoor conditions so specific humidity control is usually not necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full light, well-draining soil, and minimal water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; tolerates drought.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleAchillea sibirica 'Stephanie Cohen', commonly known as Siberian Yarrow 'Stephanie Cohen', begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in a hospitable environment, typically germinates in the spring. Upon germination, the plant starts its vegetative stage, developing a rosette of basal leaves and then a stem with feathery foliage. As it matures, Siberian Yarrow 'Stephanie Cohen' enters the flowering stage, usually in early to midsummer, producing clusters of pink to purple flowers that attract pollinators and are beneficial for biodiversity. After pollination, the plant produces seeds which are then dispersed by wind or wildlife. In the fall, the above-ground parts of the plant die back with the onset of colder weather, but the root system remains alive, allowing the plant to overwinter and re-emerge the following spring. This perennial cycle of dormancy and regrowth continues for several years until the plant eventually senesces and dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Siberian yarrow 'Stephanie Cohen' is typically propagated by division, which is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. This method is most popular as it is straightforward and effective for this perennial. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established Siberian yarrow clump and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them approximately 18 inches (about 45 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This process not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates the parent plant, encouraging more vigorous growth and better flowering.
