Yarrow Achillea 'Terracotta'
ABOUT
The Achillea 'Terracotta' is a visually striking plant known for its unique coloration and attractive foliage. The plant features fern-like leaves that exhibit a soft, feathery texture, contributing to a dense and somewhat mounded herbal ground cover. The foliage presents a soothing green color that serves as a perfect backdrop for its distinct flower heads. The blossoms of the 'Terracotta' are what truly set it apart. They appear in flat-topped clusters that bear a resemblance to tiny umbrellas or shields held aloft on the plant's stems. The flower heads showcase an array of warm, earthy colors that impart a terracotta hue, a namesake inspiration that ranges from yellowish-orange to a soft, rusty brown, subtly changing as they mature and move through their bloom period. This wonderful chromatic display gives them an almost antique look and can add a sunset-inspired palette to any garden space. These flowers are not only a visual delight but are also known to attract a variety of beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, which come to collect nectar and pollen. The 'Terracotta' thus plays a dual role in the garden as an ornamental feature and as a supporter of local ecosystems. Overall, the Achillea 'Terracotta' exudes a romantic, cottage garden charm, with its feathery foliage and warm-toned blooms offering a delightful visual impact that can soften and enrich the visual aesthetics of any planting area.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Terracotta Yarrow, Yarrow 'Terracotta'
Common names
Achillea 'Terracotta'.
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow 'Terracotta' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to yarrow, and it may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction upon contact. Ingesting large amounts of yarrow could potentially lead to gastro-intestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
To pets
Yarrow 'Terracotta' is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to pets. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of yarrow, it could experience mild digestive upset, including vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from eating plants, as individual sensitivity can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Terracotta
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Achillea 'Terracotta', commonly known as Yarrow, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which helps promote a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
- Drought Resistance: Yarrow is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Easy to Grow: Yarrow is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow in a variety of soil types, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant produces terracotta-colored flowers from early summer to early fall, offering a long season of visual interest.
- Cut Flowers: Yarrow's sturdy stems and vibrant blooms make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
- Deer Resistant: Yarrow is generally not preferred by deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Soil Improvement: Yarrow has deep roots that can help break up compacted soil and improve soil structure over time.
- Visual Appeal: The ferny, aromatic foliage and warm-colored flowers add texture and a splash of color to borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Yarrow is traditionally known to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: The plant has been used for its antiseptic properties, which may help in preventing infections.
- Astringent: Due to its astringent qualities, yarrow may be used to tone the skin and stop bleeding from small wounds.
- Carminative: It has been known to relieve intestinal gas.
- Diaphoretic: Yarrow can induce sweating, which traditionally has been believed to help break a fever.
- Digestive aid: It has been used to help with digestive problems.
- Emmenagogue: Yarrow may stimulate menstrual flow.
- Hemostatic: It has been used to stop bleeding.
- Sedative: Properties of yarrow show potential in calming nerves and may be used for its mild sedative effects.
- Vulnerary: Yarrow has been used to promote wound healing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The flowers of yarrow can be used to produce a range of yellow, green or brown dyes for wool and other fabrics.
- Companion Planting: Yarrow can enhance the growth of nearby plants by accumulating nutrients and is often planted in vegetable gardens or among ornamentals for this purpose.
- Soil Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, yarrow is effective at stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes.
- Craft Material: Dried yarrow flowers are used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects due to their lasting color and structure.
- Livestock Feed: While not a primary source of feed, yarrow can be a part of the forage for livestock and is known for its nutritional benefits for animals.
- Bioindicator: Yarrow can act as an indicator plant, helping to reveal the health of an ecosystem or the presence of certain minerals in the soil.
- Aromatic Sachets: Dried yarrow flowers and leaves can be placed in sachets to provide a pleasant aroma in drawers and wardrobes.
- Landscape Design: Yarrow's varied foliage and flower colors are valuable in garden design for creating aesthetically pleasing landscapes.
- Green Manure: As a cover crop, yarrow can be tilled back into the soil to act as a green manure, improving soil fertility and structure.
- Photographic Subject: Yarrow is often photographed for its beauty and used in art and photography, emphasizing the textures and colors of the natural world.
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 Greek hero Achilles, Achillea is said to have been used by him to heal soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War, symbolizing its association with healing and medicinal properties.
- Protection: Traditionally, the plant was believed to offer protection against negative forces and was often carried in amulets or used to surround homesteads.
- Courage: As it is associated with the warrior Achilles, it also symbolizes courage and bravery on the battlefield.
- Endurance: The hardiness and resilience of the plant in various growing conditions are often seen as a representation of endurance and perseverance.
- Love Deterrent: In some folk tales, Achillea was used to ward off unwanted love, giving it a symbolic meaning related to the deflecting of feelings.
- Divination: Historically, Achillea was used in divination rituals, suggesting a connection to the supernatural and the revelation of hidden knowledge.
- Nobility: The plant's upright posture and lofty height have sometimes symbolized nobility and grace.
WaterYarrow needs moderate watering, especially during its blooming period, and requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Water the plant deeply once every week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. Adjust watering during the hot, dry months, possibly increasing to twice a week. During the winter or in cooler weather, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
LightYarrow prefers full sun conditions and will thrive when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Yarrow is in an area where there is ample sunshine and good air circulation. While it can tolerate some light shade, the plant's blooms may not be as prolific, and the stems can become leggy as they reach for light.
TemperatureYarrow can endure a wide range of temperatures, tolerating lows down to about -30°F and highs well above 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for growing Yarrow is between 65°F and 75°F. It is a hardy plant that can survive through winter freezes and hot summer temperatures without significant issues.
PruningPrune Yarrow after the first flowering to encourage a second bloom in the season. Deadheading spent flowers will promote new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Cutting the plant back by about one-third in the early spring or fall can help rejuvenate and shape it for the upcoming season. The best time for heavier pruning is after the last frost has passed in spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Yarrow 'Terracotta' should be well-draining with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging between 5.5 to 7.0, is ideal for this plant to thrive.
RepottingYarrow 'Terracotta' does not need frequent repotting as it's a hardy perennial. It can typically be repotted every 2-3 years or as needed when it outgrows its current container or the soil is depleted.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Terracotta' prefers average ambient humidity and is quite tolerant of varying conditions. It is a hardy plant that does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Yarrow 'Terracotta' in bright direct light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Yarrow 'Terracotta' in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Yarrow 'Terracotta' begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in spring, in warm, moist soil conditions. As the seedling establishes itself, it develops a rosette of fern-like foliage, indicative of its first true leaves, and starts to develop a deep and extensive root system. During its vegetative stage, the plant grows rapidly and produces more leaves, preparing for the flowering stage. The flowering stage is marked by the Yarrow producing clusters of terracotta-colored flowers on tall stems, usually in the late spring to summer, which attract pollinators and can last until early fall. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, allowing for the potential of new yarrow plants to grow in the vicinity. At the end of the growing season, particularly in colder climates, the plant may die back to the ground, going into dormancy, but its root system remains alive to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Achillea 'Terracotta', commonly known as Yarrow 'Terracotta', the most popular method of propagation is through division. This is best done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to maintain a healthy root ball. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them approximately 1 to 2 feet apart to allow enough room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. This simple method not only helps to propagate yarrow but can also rejuvenate older clumps that might have become woody or less vigorous.
