Yarrows are native to Europe and temperate areas of Asia. Achillea was first recorded in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, a Swiss botanist and physician, who was the father of the binomial nomenclature, which is the formal system of naming specific species. Yarrows are relatively easy to grow, requiring only routine maintenance and can thrive even in poor soil/watering conditions. They are great in the garden or as cut flowers or even dried for winter arrangements.
Achillea millefolium 'Terracotta' is a long lasting wonder in your garden. Its plate like blooms start as a bright salmon/peach color and then fades to a dusty yellow. Great display that lasts all summer long. If its too happy it can get a bit invasive in your yard. There are worse things that can take over a yard however! Put this in your drought tolerant Mediterranean themed garden.
| Plant Types: | Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 2 feet to 3 feet |
| Width: | 1 foot 6 inches to 2 feet |
| Zones: | 3a to 9b |
| Bloom Color: | Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall |
| Leaf Color: | Green, Silvery |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Deer resistant, Fragrant foliage, Invasive, Naturalizing, Not North American native, Rabbit resistant |
| Shape: | Upright or erect |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Can be grown from cuttings or seeds. Either way, plant in a disease-free medium with uniform moisture. Keep the pH between 5.5 and 5.8. Add a layer of vermiculite to aid in moisture retention.
If you wish to produce cut flowers, wait until the heads are fully open (with pollen showing) before cutting. Cutting earlier will reduce vase life. Once cut, place immediately in clean water, and use a bactericide or biocide.
Yarrows germinate in 3 to 5 days, and the stem and cotyledons appear between days 5 and 7. Leaves are generally green/gray and have an aromatic smell especially when the leaves are crushed.
Blooms generously through summer and early fall and are promoted by frequent deadheading. Taller species can be used for drying for Winter bouquets. Flower colors are generally yellow or white, but some species are pink and red. If flowers are cut off, the plant will regenerate flowers in about a month.
Once established, yarrows can withstand drought. However, ideally the medium should receive moderate irrigation and even moisture distribution throughout the soil. This is especially important while inducing germination.
Do not over-fertilize, since doing so can cause an increase in leaf size rather than flower development. Fertilize weekly with a 150ppm solution.
Spittlebugs, aphids and scale can become problems. Also watch out for powdery mildew on the foliage, yarrow leaf rot and root rot.